On Saturday November 1, 2008, The Pearl Company will host its first ever fundraising party. We are inviting you - the people who are truly at the heart of what we're doing - to come out and show your support for everything that The Pearl Company is (and stands to be) for the city of Hamilton.
The Pearl was an idea. Now it is a vibrant, multi-faceted arts space in Hamilton's downtown core. Our partnership with Artword Theatre has created the second-floor performance space,
Artword @ The Pearl, now home to Artword's theatre season. There is something happening every weekend night!
The Pearl is also:
• a multi-cultural centre attracting talented new immigrants
• a neighbourhood hub, advancing quality of life in our community, and
the meeting place of the Landsdale Area Neighbourhood Association (LANA)
• hundreds of patrons boarding the Art Bus, helping energize the art scene
• a lively series of cabarets, concerts, dance and performance events (with Artword Theatre)
• an art gallery with art parties, book launches, readings and spoken word events
• the TLC Project after school program for young people
• home of the Opus Mundi Festival (last week in April, first week in May)
The Pearl Company is working. But we have a problem. Our building is zoned residential although the buildings all around us (including the family homes across the street) are zoned commercial. We are applying for the change in the zoning so that we become a conforming entity in order to be able to continue to do what we do. Unfortunately we do not fit the existing zoning by-laws and changes will be a long time coming. See
Jeff Mahoney’s article in the Spec.
In applying for the changes, we have to find at least $7,000. This money must be one time new dollars since our current programming can only cover costs. The fee structure is the same if you are a huge developer or a small business. Just imagine what The Pearl Company could do if we had that kind of money to put into new programming!?!
The arts and cultural sector (which is constantly credited as a catalyst for transforming decayed, neglected urban cores) needs to be recognized for its contribution to the quality of life in our city. We know it as a fact that the arts can enter a run-down neighbourhood and transform its mind, spirit and appearance into a community that everyone can share. In our neighbourhood the Pearl is just the beginning.
Here is how you can help: come to our gala Saturday, November 1 or, if you are unable to attend, send us a cheque or donation!
RE-ZONEapalooza: Join us Saturday, November 1 at 8pm and show your support. We will give you a fabulous party with music, art for sale, dancing, great munchies and tons of fun! Admission will be Pay What You Wish with a basic fee of $20 (although if you are one of Hamilton's starving artists, we will take less.) Bring your friends and perhaps a little extra cash. We'll have lots of wonderful art and activities you'll want to indulge in!
Barbara Milne
Gary Santucci
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