When I read the Calgary Herald article about the New Black Arts Centre for Music and Art shutting down I was truly saddened. As a young musician myself, I can say on the behalf of many that I would love to have the chance to play in a band, even if it was just a bunch of high school kids rocking out in their garage.
I know how hard it is to find the realistic side of things when it comes to wanting a career within music and art. With hockey and other sports growing in popularity, it’s getting easier and easier to picture you or someone you know making it big on a sports team. The New Black Centre for Music and Art was a great thing to have in Calgary. It was one of the only places some kids could go to to play and practice their music. It even had a professional recording studio inside. They offered great summer camps, especially the one to empower girls with music and arts in the time where girls still struggle to be equal. It truly was a safe environment for all ages, that even had many local bands come to play, with some of them even starting out at the centre when they were just kids.
It is sad to see it go, but hopefully we can find something positive out of this. Maybe this can spark a change and give more chances for our musical youth to do what we love. I hope to see the arts and music get more support one day. When I grow up I hope my kids can walk into a building and feel as if it is a second home for them to come and let go of life’s worries and play music, if that’s what they want. Heck, even if that second home is to tie up their skates and hit the ice, or put on a jersey to play defense on the field, I don’t care! Just as long as they have somewhere that they can feel safe and have fun, to let their passion ignite. Somewhere like The New Black Centre For Music and Art.
