Artspace remains closed due to broken sewer pipe

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This article was published 22/01/2025 (595 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Artspace, home to nearly two dozen arts and cultural organizations, has been closed to the public since last week due to a broken sewage pipe.

“I’m trying to keep a smile on and some of the frustrations we’re living are also a reminder of the importance of this cultural hub,” says Eric Plamondon, Artspace’s Executive Director.

Established in 1986, the six-storey Exchange-based organization facing Old Market Square hosts such organizations as the Dave Barber Cinematheque, the Winnipeg Film Group and Jazz Winnipeg. The building was constructed in 1900 and Plamondon says the broken pipe is likely of that vintage.

While many of the tenants operate as administrative offices, public-facing groups such as Cinematheque and Platform Centre for Photographic and Digital Arts have had to suspend screenings and exhibitions until further notice.

The Winnipeg Film Group’s rentals are also suspended until further notice, while film equipment pick-ups and drop offs are by appointment until the issue is resolved.

While the broken pipe is being repaired, updates on public access to the building will continue.

“Whatever happens, there’s some good allies around that are helping us out. It’s nice that we exist in an environment in Winnipeg where it doesn’t feel like it’s competition,” Plamondon says.

Screenings of Winnipeg-native Mathew Rankin’s Universal Language, previously set to take place at Cinematheque this week, have been moved to Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (340 Provencher Blvd.), including Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for all three prior screening dates will be honoured at the St. Boniface venue and refunds are available for ticketholders unable to make the new location.

The feature film is in French, English and Farsi with English subtitles and is one of three Canadian films put forward for Oscar consideration this year. Before the 44-year-old Rankin found international success, his films long enjoyed a home at Cinematheque, sometimes premièring at the indie cinema.

“The fact we can’t host (Universal Language), not only does it suck, but this is the calibre and this is a community that we’re talking about. The Matthew Rankins can exist because Artspace existed,” says Plamondon.

A conversation with Rankin and Guy Maddin hosted by Cinematheque Saturday at 5 p.m. has been relocated to the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (400 Colony St.). The event, in which the acclaimed filmmakers are set to discuss the impact of Winnipeg’s film community on their respective careers, is sold out.

Visit art-space.ca for updates.

conrad.sweatman@freepress.mb.ca