The Gas Station Arts Centre primarily supports emerging Winnipeg and Canadian artists, although we are always thrilled when professionals return to the arts centre after positive experiences with us as their first stage, or who have heard of our reputation as an intimate and supportive performance space. We foster the artistic development of the next generation of local talent. Our focus remains on supporting the educational and youth-based arts programmes by providing them with a professional first stage.

One of our biggest struggles is that most people see us as “just a roadhouse” or “just a rental space.” In fact we are so much more. We are currently the most competitively-priced rental venue in the city because in addition to the theatre, our rental cost includes professional mentoring. However, our rental fee covers less than 50% of the actual operating costs to have a group perform in our theatre. It certainly doesn’t cover any of the costs to update our facilities, some of which are literally crumbling. Our theatre space was originally built as a mechanic shop for the ESSO. Everything is retro-fitted and held together with the passion and good intentions of our small staff.

The Gas Station Arts Centre is the keystone of Osborne Village. Our tiny staff work tirelessly with the Osborne Village BIZ to create initiatives that benefit the vendors and that discourage anti-social behaviour. We have a permanent staff of 3.5 people, and we are outside every day cleaning up and protecting our arts centre, and our village, from anti-social behaviour. But the fact is, we can’t do it alone, we can’t do it with such a small staff, and we can’t do it with our limited operational funds.

Without sponsorship support and government aid, we cannot continue to offer subsidised rates, mentorship, up-to-date equipment, and a welcoming and comfortable performance space and audience experience. We need to upgrade our facilities in order to achieve the curb-appeal that will welcome new renters and help existing groups feel safe. When the theatre is full, when there are people walking around outside, enjoying our patio, exploring the village, there is always a significant drop, if not a total cessation of anti-social behaviour. When people feel safe coming to the theatre, they also feel safe shopping in the village. They think about coming back on the weekend with their kids. They become members of our community, and the bigger our community is, the less space there is for anti-social activity. With your support, we can revitalise Osborne Village, and continue to support emerging artists. Thank you!