MAKING SPACE
Becka Viau opens The Vessel, a new venue where artists and performers can do what they do best
Becka Viau opens The Vessel, a new venue for artists and performers
When artists have the opportunity and space to create, good things can happen, says Charlottetown artist Becka Viau.
The driving force behind the annual summer art festival, Art in the Open, Viau has opened a new venue for artists and performers to work on, and show off, their craft.
Tucked away between the Downtown Barber Shop and the former location of Back Alley Music on Great George Street, The Vessel provides affordable studio space for local artists.
As a way to offset rental costs for the in-house artists, The Vessel also has temporary rental spaces available to the public, including a closed, white cubed room and an open area with a small stage.
Now that she has the space, Viau is able to fulfil a dream she’s had for some time – hosting musical performances in an intimate setting.
The Cozy Concerts series will host its first event in February as a part of WinterLove P.E.I., featuring local act Calm Baretta.
“I’ve always wanted to do smaller house concerts with really pared down music that are as acoustic as possible,” Viau said. “I feel like Cozy Concerts could be a chance for emerging artists to share their work.”
The acoustic element also adds a bit of a challenge for performers who aren’t used to paring down their sound, she said.
“It’s a way for artists to show their raw talent and their raw material, rather than what you’d hear on an album.”
A change from louder concert venues such as bars, the licensed venue will provide patrons with a different, more intimate and interactive music experience.
“I just want to provide a cozy atmosphere where people can come together and enjoy a nice beverage and listen to an hour’s worth of music and dialogue.”
Alcohol sales will help offset studio rental costs for the in-house artists, while the performers will take 100 per cent of ticket sales.
Multidisciplinary artist Monica Lacey, who is one of the in-house artists, said she appreciates the shared space with shared costs.
“I’m always more productive and more inspired when there’s people around, even if I’m not interacting with them but they’re just near by,” she said. “We’re all working artists, most of us have at least one other jobs and are paying mortgages and rent on our home, so it was important to find an affordable place.”