A festive atmosphere is expected as the city opens the doors to Anvil Centre on Sunday.
The grand opening of the city’s first conference and cultural facility is taking place on Sunday, Sept. 14 from noon to 6 p.m. at 777 Columbia St. A photo booth with fun costumes to “picture yourself at Anvil Centre,” roving performers, a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m., and a visit from hitchBOT (a robot that’s been travelling across Canada) are among the festivities place outside, where the streets will be closed off for the party.
For folks who have been anxious to get inside the new civic facility, there will be no shortage of activities to enjoy. Along with entertainment and facility tours, here’s a sampling of what’s taking place on opening day.
* Poets, musicians, dancers and a comedian will be performing throughout the day in the ballroom.
* A boardroom that doubles as a bridal room will be decked out with a wedding display – courtesy of some of the city’s bridal boutiques.
* New Westminster archivists will be answering questions about the city’s archives and services.
* The New Westminster New Media Gallery will unveil its first exhibition, MUSICIRCUS, which features works by international artists from London, Seattle, Montreal and Vancouver. You’ll find out how they “explore and deconstruct music in a world transformed by technology” in the third floor gallery.
* Hall of Famers will welcome visitors to the new home of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
* Local artists will help unveil the first exhibit in the community art space on the third floor.
* Todd de Vries will demonstrate traditional First Nations weaving techniques, in anticipation of the museum’s upcoming temporary exhibition, Baskets for Barter.
* Music will fill the city’s newest theatre, where programming will highlight the room’s acoustic and give folks a chance to hear some of New Westminster’s musical talent.
* The media room will feature a construction display showing a video time lapse of Anvil Centre pre-construction to post construction.
* Dance companies will be putting on performances in the dance room on the fourth floor.
In the coming weeks, the City of New Westminster is planning “sampler weeks” where people can sign up for one day of programs to get a taste of what classes being offered in Anvil Centre. Programs getting underway this month include music, art, theatre, puppet and printmaking programs for kids and arts courses for adults.
Plans are also in the works to invite the community in to check out the facility’s offerings at a “Night at the Anvil” event every six weeks or so.
