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Artscene Spring symphony · FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2009 29 MOMENT MUSICAUX: Laura Choi and David Lee perform recently with the Hopedale Presbyterian Church Youth Orchestra under the direction of Deborah Henry. The orchestra is a new addition to the church's music program.The group has two more concerts planned this season, with one in May and the second in June. For information on the Hopedale Presbyterian Church Youth Orchestra, contact the church by calling 905-827-3851. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER For the Love of the Arts Festival celebrates fifth year Free family event runs Sunday By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF There will likely be a celebratory atmosphere at this year's 5th annual For the Love of the Arts Festival on Sunday, May 3. While the festival has been an important fundraiser for CommUnity Arts Space, the recent approval by town council of a new arts space at Queen Elizabeth Park (QEP), means that the focus of this year's festival is celebrating. The good news translates into free admission this year, which should be good news for Oakville residents, especially families. "The reason we charged admission in previous years was because we were hoping to get a substantial amount of money together so we could go to the Town and show them what we raised, but now the Town is helping us with that," said Britta Martini-Miles, executive director of CommUnity Arts Space. "And in the past, there were some people who wanted to pop in for just a while but found it was too expensive. We wanted to make it possible for anyone to come in, even if it is just for a few minutes, to see what it is all about." The festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Oakville Town Hall. There will be live music, dance performances, arts, poetry, crafts and interactive activities. It is a good way to take in some local entertainment, as well as learn about the different arts groups that are in the community, Martini-Miles said. "People can find out what groups are there and what arts programming is available for them and their families," she said. CommUnity Arts Space is a non-profit organization that has been advocating for a new arts facility. Lobbying by the organization's members was instrumental in the Town of Oakville's decision to approve a $23.3-million renova- tion to QEP to transform it into a 144,000 sq. ft. space that will combine arts, youths, seniors and recreational facilities. While the April 20 approval of the project is a huge achievement for CommUnity Arts Space, its work is not yet done. Martini-Miles said. "We could go away and say `mission accomplished', but we're not," she said. Martini-Miles said she is working with Town staff to develop a possible role for CommUnity Arts Space to assist in the administration of the building. "Staff has experience of running traditional community centres that are mostly sports centres, but this is much larger and is a repurpose built so there will be logistical challenges, and there will be an array of different activities," she said. "The challenge is going to be organizing access, rates, who takes priority over whom, who gets first pick, how we organize events and how, in my opinion, we work this building towards sustainability." QEP is slated to open in fall 2011. In the meantime, a significant amount of design and detail work needs to be completed to turn the aging former high school into a modern, renovated facility. Martini-Miles said CommUnity Arts Space will be proactive during the design process. "There's a lot that still needs to be done and we're hoping to have a voice in the planning, she said. Martini-Miles said that time will tell if the multipurpose facility meets the demands of the community. However, she said she expects it will be a hit and the town will likely see future community centres built with the aim of attracting those involved in not only sports, but the arts as well. "My expectation is that other centres will be built that are influenced by this in the next five or 10 years," she said. "This is something that is very unusual, but very rewarding." The For the Love of the Arts Festival runs Sunday, May 3 from noon to 4 p.m. at Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from the cafeteria at Town Hall. For information, go online to www.communityartsspace.ca.