MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre announced recently that it will now be known as the “Moose Jaw Centre for Arts & Culture” during a cocktail reception in the centre’s lobby area.
The move is the result of at least a two-year discussion and, with an ever-increasing range of programming and heightened visits, the timing just seemed right.
“Our building opened 20 years ago, so it has changed a lot in those 20 years,” explained Sarah Simison, the centre’s executive director.
As well, the new identity helps differentiate the centre from the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) which has a similar sounding name. “People often get confused or people show up here who are meant to be over there, and vice versa,” she said.
“I used to joke with the previous (MJMC) director that I wasn’t trying to get her job because (I have often been referred to as) the executive director of the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council, which was not true,” Simison recalled with a laugh.
The new logo also marks a new image for the centre.
“It was designed in a way where we really wanted to put an emphasis on arts,” she said. “So, when you see ‘arts’ in the new logo, it’s in big red font in the centre but has a solid foundation of culture below it, which is what everything we do is built on.”
After she and the board decided “Let’s just get it done,” a committee was struck and Jared Robinson with Nebulus Entertainment was chosen to design the logo and brand image. “He does great design work, and he’s really passionate about what we do here,” Simison said.
Representing the centre as a space dedicated to the arts should also help more residents discover that the building hosts far more than just the Mae Wilson Theatre, she added.
“I think a lot of people who haven’t been in here before are surprised to see that the Mae Wilson Theatre is not a standalone building — there’s another whole building attached to it and a lot more going on.”
The basement — which she refers to as the “rabbit warren” due to its confusing array of rooms and passageways resembling the Tunnels of Moose Jaw — holds an artist’s studio run by Greg Allen and is home to the Moose Jaw Community Players group.
The main floor contains offices, a rotating visual art gallery, and a gift shop. Upstairs the River Street Potters hold an office along with space for pottery workshops, the Saskatchewan Festival of Words has an office, and so does the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association (WACA).
As the centre continues to grow, Simison said she’s hoping to see more visitors and that she’s always happy to show new guests around.
“I’m amazed at how many people were born and raised here and haven’t been in the Mae Wilson (Theatre) for a show,” she said. “It’s just such a beautiful jewel in the centre of our city. It’s stunning and we’re so lucky to have it.”
Simison said her goal is to share what the centre has to offer. “We really just want to shout that from the rooftops and get people to just show up. We’ll show you around and talk to you about what’s happening here.”
To learn more, visit ‘Moose Jaw Cultural Centre, home of the Mae Wilson Theatre’ on Facebook or visit the revamped MooseJawCulture.ca website. Guests are always welcome to offer feedback and request new programming options.
The Moose Jaw Centre for Arts & Culture is located at 217 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-4700 or by email at [email protected].
To learn more about Nebulus Entertainment visit NebulusEntertainment.com.