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Gibson Centre closed due to pandemic restrictions, open online

January 20, 2022   ·   0 Comments

Due to the latest COVID–19 restrictions, The Gibson Centre is closed until at least January 26.

The Times spoke with The Gibson Centre’s Executive Director, Jennifer Fortin, and asked how the local centre for arts and culture is handling the decision.

“We were mandated by the Province to restrict all indoor gatherings to five people,” said Fortin. “Our café, gallery, and event spaces are closed. We are, however, allowing our artists to meet in groups of five, in various spaces, and I have extended their access to five days a week to hopefully accommodate them.”

With The Gibson School of the Arts winter programming set to begin the first week of February, Fortin says she’s closely monitoring public health advice and provincial lockdown rules.

“We will have to wait for the decision on lifting the restrictions,” said Fortin. “There were two large weddings in January that had to be pared down, which was devastating to the brides and also for the revenue that is generated for us. Unfortunately, I have had to lay off our front office staff, and part time facilities and event staff. We continue to apply for grants, funding and donations to help sustain us through this pandemic.”

Although The Gibson Centre is closed for in-person visits, their online presence is still going strong. 

“We look forward to connecting with you over social media while we wait to welcome you back inside our building,” said Fortin.

Starting this Friday, The Gibson’s social media coordinator, Cass, will host a series of Instagram Live videos, called “Cass’ Corner.” Each Friday at 9 a.m., Cass will interview a member of the New Tecumseth business community, starting this week with the @feelgoodnurse, and give them a chance to share their local story.

⁠All replays will be shared on the Gibson’s Instagram and Facebook pages. 

“Cass is an upbeat and sunny personality that comes through in her podcast,” said Fortin. “Her show is designed to send positive messaging from our community members, staff and artists. It is intended to be interesting, informative, fun and uplifting. The Gibson Centre is determined to make the most of these lockdowns, and stay focused on what is possible – that there will be an end to this and how to lean on one another and to look forward. The rain can’t last forever.”

The Gibson is also using its social media presence to promote local businesses during the COVID–19 Stage Two, Part Two, lockdown in other ways.

“The Gibson Centre is all about inclusion, community engagement and collaboration,” Fortin told The Times. “It is a simple message: We are an arts and cultural centre providing opportunity and encouraging and acknowledging local business successes and achievements. When they succeed, we as a community succeed.” 

In addition to the School of the Arts, The Gibson Centre also has two performances planned for this winter:

Serious Moonlight – A tribute to David Bowie – February 4, 7:30 p.m. Starring international tribute performer Jeremy Wright, this show pays authentic tribute to the 1983 tour of Serious Moonlight, with a set list augmented to include some of Bowie’s biggest hits.⁠ With live horns, choreography and meticulously prepared production, this is the show for Bowie fans.⁠ Tickets are $35 plus taxes and fees.

Chuck Jackson Trio – March 10, 7:30 p.m. The Chuck Jackson Trio is an ensemble comprising three of the most notable musicians on the Canadian Blues scene. Complimenting Jackson’s unmistakable sound and stage presence is Tyler Yarema on the keys, and Teddy Leonard on guitar. They are regarded as distinguished in their own right, and together, they provide a platform for a performance to remember.⁠

But don’t get your hopes up just yet.

“We may have to postpone these performances,” said Fortin. “Planning events, programming, and exhibits continues to be a huge challenge with capacity restrictions and unexpected announcements.”

Also coming up this winter is a Gibson Centre signature event, Taste of the Arts.

“We have postponed Taste of the Arts until February 21 – Family Day,” said Fortin. “We want this to be an in-person event. The experience is so much more engaging and fulfilling for the children in person. Participants will be able to pre-register and go from each program in small groups.”

The Gibson Centre for Community, Arts & Culture began as a farm implement factory in 1889, and is now a favourite filming location for movie sets (most recently for the film, “A Christmas Exchange”), known for its architecture, open spaces and overall aesthetic. It also offers large open spaces, multiple entries and stringent cleaning procedures making it a very safe place for all events, programming and performances. 

“Presently, we have only our full-time facility coordinator working,” said Fortin. “He has been able to take advantage of this quiet time to reorganize, plan and maintain the building. The building needs continued preventive maintenance to be ready when we re-open again. A heritage building like the Gibson Centre requires daily attention and monitoring. All systems, spaces, kitchen, and other areas need deep cleaning to maintain the high level of service the Gibson Centre is known for.”

Riding this wave of the pandemic through, Fortin says, “We are anxious to get back to business and thank everyone for their continued support.”

By Wendy Gabrek

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