Local artist Asaph Maurer has watched the local arts community struggle for years in finding consistent support and seeing the Windsor area benefit from what the arts can provide.
“I’ve been an artist in the area for six years and realized we didn’t have any big galas for the arts community that other cities have,” Maurer said. “Since no one was doing these things, I realized I could do it myself to create an asset for the arts community and people who live here.
“This building is being converted into the home for film and media and I wanted to combine it with my area of focus in the visual arts. I wanted to showcase the property in the best possible light in its new journey.”
Guests were able to view roughly 200 pieces of visual art ranging from professional to emerging talent. The evening also featured live performances including music, movement artists, aerialists and a LightForm show.
“The highlight for me, besides showcasing local talent, was to bring talent from other cities and show how they can be an attraction for this community,” Maurer said. “We have artists from Detroit, Montreal and Toronto. Events such as this can help show the economic driver the arts can be.”
The gala also helped serve as a fundraising event with 50 per cent of ticket sales and event proceeds being donated to MACC.
“The concept for MACC came following years of work with youth and young adults who asked for a central place to learn, network and produce,” said Amanda Gellman, president of the Windsor Centre for Film, Digital Media and the Creative Arts — a non-profit which now owns the building.
“The brain drain of creative to other regions has hurt our community and we were asked by young people who did not want to leave Windsor to help find a solution.
“The other benefit is young people who stay in the region can work together on their dream films, while also producing creative corporate videos that will serve to grow all sectors of the economy.”
