Performing Arts Centre Groundbreaking

Construction of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts got underway officially with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by over 200 VIP's on Thursday, 1 October 2009. The event was held in a huge tent erected on the site of the new building which will be Film and Media's home.

Camera operator Tara Nadolny and Prof. Clarke Mackey interviewed Kingston mayor Harvey Rosen, who emphasized the community's enthusiasm and committment to the new cultural centre.

Attendees not familiar with the work of Queen's Film and Media were treated to a display showcasing publications, conferences, and filmmaking by students, staff and alumni of the Department.

The ground, or rather the pile of dirt on the piece of plywood, was cermonially broken by Principal Daniel Woolf, Board of Trustees Chair William Young, and donors Isabel and Alfred Bader, who received a standing ovation. Dr. Bader also addressed the gathering, and paid particular tribute to former Principal Karen Hitchcock who was a driving force behind the Performing Arts Centre.

The Bands arrived to warm things up, marching past the historic buildings which will be carefully preserved on the site. Queen's Bands themselves have been around since 1905, although their familiar Royal Stewart uniforms were not adopted until after World War II.

Camera operator Hayley Crooks (back left) and sound recordist Janice Belanger (back right ) recorded the pipes and highland dancers' performance which wrapped up the cermonies.

It was announced that the University has 85% of the construction budget committed by donors and government. For more information on the Centre and how you can support it, see the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts website.