W2 Speaks at City Hall!

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Comment by Karen Elaine Gilchrist on January 29, 2013 at 5:40pm

Some history:
http://www.facebook.com/events/442187849186093/
For almost two months, the W2 community amenity at the Woodward’s Heritage Building has been effectively shut down.

This vital hub for inner-city artists and community activists, including many Indigenous groups and individuals, was hard-fought for by the grassroots - in fact this amenity was the reason the Woodward’s development was allowed to proceed. This attempt at evicting the W2 community is part of a broader trend that sees community and cultural spaces under attack in Vancouver. The City is passing motions “that Vancouver preserves and expands upon its dynamic culture” so let’s protect W2 and ensure a Vancouver for all.

While other community centres are paid to operate, W2 was growing with 80% self-generated revenue. Nester's Market and London Drugs, which share the atrium with W2, have been given 10 year property tax waivers amounting to millions of dollars. W2 needs fair treatment.

The City is a partner with W2 in delivering an inclusive community space and must continue to work with W2 to restructure in a way that protects the innovative and grassroots qualities of the project. The community needs to be at the centre of this.

Programming is ongoing and active by the W2 community, #W2Belongs2Me, and the other W2 member groups -- OUTSIDE of the building (using a half dozen venues) until a new agreement is in place with the City.

W2 community meetings have been taking place to provide members with an opportunity to stay connected, organised and urge the City of Vancouver to ensure the low-income community has a home at Woodward’s.

http://w2belongs2me.com/
#W2Belongs2Me
#idlenomore

W2 & W2 MEDIA CAFE:
W2’s mandate is to break the digital divide through access to technology and training while promoting social inclusion, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and advancing issues of redress.

Technology in the hands of people can increase the effectiveness of their communication, especially in the DTES, where 6,000 people have no phone, Internet or computers. Technology can help community organisers and independent journalists advocate to make change in society, as well as help individuals function as more engaged citizens. Supporting access to technology can advance individual economic sustainability and identity.

Through W2 Media Cafe, DTES and Vancouver residentscan learn about how to access the centre's multi-platform tools and technology, training, production facilities and the means of distribution.

In addition to a media arts lab, Incubator and community meeting spaces, the new space also offers accessible public washrooms and a public lounge, and is the only remaining community amenity chosen by the community and City Council for the Woodward’s development following the Woodsquat in 2002.