Closure of downtown artists’ hub leaves a void in Medicine Hat’s art community

He says losing the Hive leaves up-and-coming artists without a place to establish themselves.

“It had a really good run and it helped out a lot of artists along the way but ultimately I don’t know what will replace this,” Caussy says. “Hopefully there’ll be something will replace this void that’s left in Medicine Hat and some new energy that will want to take this on and create a whole new kind of non-profit or artist hub or studio spaces.”

Caussy adds it’s a big blow not just for the artists at the Hive but also the community at large.

The volunteer-run space was in a good position early this year. But the decline was swift since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March.

Many of the artists who rented space at the studio were laid off from their jobs, making spending money on studio space a luxury for most.

“We ended up with too many empty studio spaces,” says Caussy.

With bills coming due and a lack of revenue from studio space rentals, the hard decision to close was made.

Even though he wasn’t around when the Hive was established, Caussy stresses the idea was and remains a wonderful one, spearheaded by a small group of people and met with the support from council and government.

“I would really like to see that kind of union kind of happen again in some kind of new iteration. Ten years is a long time, the world has changed a bit so let’s see if there’s something new that could happen in Medicine Hat,” he said. “Let’s try to get council on board as well and try to create a whole new hub for artists and the arts in Medicine Hat.”

by Chris Brown

Closure of downtown artists’ hub leaves a void in Medicine Hat’s art community

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