The visual fine arts program at Algoma University will take up residence at the Machine Shop in Sault Ste. Marie, located on the former St. Marys Paper property that’s being transformed by Riversedge Developments into a multi-use property.
The agreement is for 16 months with the option of a three-year renewal. The university has said the arrangement will “facilitate major growth for the Algoma U visual fine arts program.”
“The fine arts faculty and students of Algoma University are thrilled with the news that our program will be moving to the remarkable Machine Shop space at Mill Square,” said Prof. Tom O’Flanagan, the department chair of the Algoma University visual fine arts program. “This represents the culmination of seven years of planning, consultation, and investigation in the service of enhancing and expanding the potentials of our Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and its professional opportunities.”
Justus Veldman, CEO of Riversedge Developments, stressed that Algoma University will continue to enhance the cultural experience of Mill Square.
This is the second Algoma University academic program to move to the Mill Square development. In August, the music department announced its move to the former St. Marys Paper site, which began its programming in September. Once renovations are complete, fine arts programming is expected to begin at the Machine Shop in January of 2015.
