The City of Edmonton’s Offical Opening of ArtsHub Ortona

On December 12th, 2024, the City of Edmonton celebrated the completion of the Ortona Armoury Building Rehabilitation project with a ceremony inside the historic doors. During the rehabilitation project, Arts Habitat Edmonton provided consultation to ensure a purpose-built design for the arts. Selected by the City as the leaseholder, Arts Habitat Edmonton now manages and operates the building—renamed ArtsHub Ortona—as a dedicated art space.

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, employees from the Integrated Infrastructure Services and Community Services departments at the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Arts Council staff, including the new Executive Director Renée Williams, alongside supporters, reporters, and art enthusiasts, gathered in the Solarium for speeches and a captivating performance by The Trio—featuring Project Studio artist and cellist Christine Hanson, accompanied by violinist Jennifer Bustin and guitarist Jamie Philip. The event was emceed by Donovan Workun of Atomic Improv.

David Johnston, Principal Heritage Planner at the City of Edmonton, who oversaw the heritage preservation aspects of the rehabilitation project, accompanied guests on building tours. These tours showcased the preserved historical elements thoughtfully incorporated into the design.

The day was filled with excitement and optimism for the future impact ArtsHub Ortona will have on Edmonton’s artistic community. This milestone was made possible by financial contributions from the City of Edmonton and the Department of Canadian Heritage at the Government of Canada.

Looking ahead, Arts Habitat Edmonton is spearheading Edmonton’s first Cultural Infrastructure Plan (ECIP). This plan will transform arts and heritage by providing key support systems to cultivate meaningful spaces and resources for Edmontonians to access, express, and participate in culture.

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