Manitoba Legislative Assembly – Member’s Statement features Artbeat Studio

June 19, 2013
Artbeat Studio with Flor Marcelino and Rob Altemyer

Artbeat Studio with Flor Marcelino and Rob Altemyer, 2013

On June 12, 2013 Rob Altemeyer, MLA for Wolseley gave a Member’s Statement on Artbeat Studio at the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, urban residents are indeed fortunate to have Artbeat Studio serving the needs of the community. I am deeply moved by the work that they do and ask that all Members present here today applaud their life-changing efforts.

– Rob Altemeyer, MLA

memeber’s statement

Artbeat Studio
Rob Altemeyer, MLA for Wolsely
June 12, 2013

Mr. Speaker, the Winnipeg core is a community full of creative and innovative residents that care about one another. Artbeat Studio perfectly exemplifies this point. This urban arts centre provides accessible arts programming for the citizens of the North Portage and Central Park areas who receive mental health services. This socially progressive organization strengthens the community by promoting dialogue and creative endeavours. It also provides healing services and supports a unique communal cultural fabric.

Mr. Speaker, I have had the pleasure of visiting Artbeat Studio and am always impressed by the compassionate and collaborative atmosphere. This is due in no small part to the vision and dedication of its founder, Nigel Bart, and his mother, Lucille Bart, who serves as Executive Director. In 2005, they established Artbeat Studio with the goal of enabling consumers of mental health services to engage in artistic expression that promotes recovery, empowerment and community. Having referred numerous citizens to Artbeat’s unique services since becoming an MLA, I can personally attest, Mr. Speaker, that they have more than achieved this ambitions target.

Artbeat’s core program is a six-month period that accommodates nine artistic applicants at a time for intense access to a wide range of artistic forms and supportive healing. Additionally, Artbeat also runs Studio Central, which serves Manitoba Housing residents in a volunteer-run artistic setting. Suffice to say, Mr. Speaker, that the artists’ lives are often greatly improved through their studio experiences.

Notably, the display at the recently opened mental health Crisis Response Centre boasts artwork by Artbeat Studio alumni and Studio Central. I am so proud to be a part of a government that supports this vital organization.

Mr. Speaker, urban residents are indeed fortunate to have Artbeat Studio serving the needs of the community. I am deeply moved by the work that they do and ask that all Members present here today applaud their life-changing efforts.”
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