2b theatre company developing a new arts hub in central Halifax
2b theatre company, Atlantic Canada’s most active exporter of contemporary performance for adults and the company behind shows like Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story starring Ben Caplan and The God That Comes starring Hawksley Workman, is developing a new arts hub in the iconic former home of Video Difference on Quinpool Road.
“Securing this space has had an immediate impact for 2b and has also begun to change the game for the wider arts community that so badly needs spaces like this,” says 2b Artistic Director, Christian Barry. “The skylit 20’ by 18’ Criterion Studio (former home of the criterion collection) provides vital creation and rehearsal space for 2b and other companies to develop groundbreaking works here in Halifax. We also have office spaces, meeting spaces, and two fully furnished apartments to provide short-term accommodations for visiting artists”.
“2b is thrilled to be part of a revitalization of a great city block. We are so happy to be able to stay on Quinpool,” says 2b Associate Artistic Director, Jacob Sampson, “The owner of the building is a community-minded landlord who cares about the character of this neighbourhood. She’s working with us to lay the foundations for a long-term success that will bring new life and investment to the Quinpool streetscape.”
“It’s been a long journey to get here but the work is just getting started and we need your help,” says 2b Managing Director, Louisa Adamson, “Join us! We are looking for supporters and partners to help us to make the building more accessible so we can open the doors to the public and the arts community alike.”
2b has created a multi-phase plan for building renovations, including accessibility upgrades like accessible washroom facilities and a wheelchair lift as well as physical upgrades to create functional shared work spaces, multi-use meeting space, and to provide more and better office space for long-term arts tenants. To donate to the 2b @ Video Difference gofundme or for more information, please visit 2btheatre.com.
“It’s an iconic building,” says Barry. “This space will always be Video Difference to so many Nova Scotians. Almost every person who walks into the building has memories and connections. We are leaning into that nostalgia, and thankfully we have been given permission to do so by Video Difference founder Tom Michael. We love this neighbourhood, and the potential for this space to become a place where artists take a lead in engaging with audiences, and beautifying our city.”
For more on rentals and how to support the space, click here.
About 2b theatre company
2b is 24 years old. We are a Kjipuktuk/Halifax-based, internationally renowned theatre company creating vital, innovative, and rigorous original works that challenge what theatre is and what it can be. We centre care for our artists and audience members and create works that are accessible to both new and artistically seasoned audiences. Our work is part of the evolution of contemporary theatre and has toured across Canada and around the world. We have toured our original creations to 67 cities in 13 countries on five continents, including critical successes in New York, London and Sydney, Australia to name a few.
Media Enquiries: info@2btheatre.com
Office lease Enquiries: bookings@2btheatre.com
Housing Enquiries: housing@2btheatre.com