Students in our Performing Arts programs moved to a new stage to tell their stories this year.
In the heart of Regent Park, the Centennial College Performing Arts Commons in Daniels Spectrum neighbours the Native Earth Performing Arts, the Aki Studio and the Regent Park Film Festival.
Christopher Jackman — Academic Chair of Arts and Design at Centennial College's School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design — says he leapt at the opportunity to use the three-studio space when the chance presented itself.
“All programs are committed to inclusion, equity and advancing a range of voices left out of the mainstream,” he said. “In Regent Park at Daniels Spectrum, there has been a fantastic cultural renaissance building. … It’s a dynamic cultural hub in the city.”
Besides being immersed in one of Toronto’s cultural hotspots, Christopher says the space allows for students to meet and mingle across disciplines, adding a new layer of learning in the Performing Arts programs.
“This builds upon the rich history of community-engaged arts already present in the community,” Christopher said. “Now we have a space that facilitates that … and we leverage it as another source of strength and opportunity for our graduates and students.”
The Performing Arts Commons will also host the Arts Education and Community Engagement program, which is debuting in the fall.
By Bobby Hristova