Raise the Hammer

Hey Folks

It's true that we're pursuing the design programs and schools that have been mentioned (animation, graphic, product - very diverse program). To be honest the first school we spoke to was most interested in bringing a film program > now we're talking to design folks > we're still talking music > I'm even going after museum studies again in hopes of creating a really dynamic and resilient mix.

The report noted a number of things:

(1) We have a creative sector that is very broad (graphic design, music, theatre, visual art, craft, web design, architecture, dance, arts education, etc and on and on). This is more important in deciding if there is a strong enough community to support a larger development.

(2) The clearly came out and said our communities strong point is music and that this segment of the industry is primed and ready for development, as well as being under-serviced. This has not changed and will still play a pivotal role in the catalyst project. Just might not mean that the first major tenant is music focused > also doesn't mean it won't be.

To quote the first page of the Executive Summary: "Ideally, the HCCP would occupy a large, iconic building (or buildings in a precinct) with an educational or
cultural institution as an anchor, along with a contemporary multi-purpose performance/rehearsal space,offices, studios, retail and hospitality uses. Tenants would include established businesses in the creative industries (e.g., music creation, promotion, distribution; film production) or any business that would benefit
from co-locating with creative people and businesses, and new enterprises."

The reality of this project (unlike some other downtown non-developments) is that we need to engage a major anchor tenant to get it on it's feet. So before we go raising money to buy a building we can't sustain we're focused on ensuring we have a base to build on. In my mind I don't particularly care which creative industry this is > music, dance, design, whatever. So long as its committed to Hamilton and striving for excellent its chosen discipline.

Whatever it is, it needs to be stable and substantial. In countless cases we've seen this realized as a campus of the college or university (Brock in St. Catherines, SFU in Vancouver, etc). We're in a good place with Mohawk conversations right now, but they are admittedly just conversations at this point. Conversations have led to site visits, and we hope that site visits lead to relationships and commitments.

I'll be honest - I find it really frustrating when people like "Huh?" say things like we're 'spinning' things or that the report is now invalid. As Bruce Mau says "people tend to focus on what doesn't work, instead of what does".

"Huh?" > are you telling me that because the report said music was strong that we should tell these major prospective partners to get lost? We should act like Hamilton has for decades with manufacturing and simply insist that it sustain our community? Thats nuts.

We've done the research to show that this concept can work in Hamilton if we act as responsible and innovative developers > and now we're working hard to assemble the elements that will make the project fly.

Post under your real name and I'll save you a ticket for the opening. Cheers.

Jeremy