Arborg’s Creative Cocoon moved into a new home and is offering bigger class sizes and additional programming.
The arts and wellness hub took up residence in the basement of the Arborg Training Centre at the beginning of the month and is off to a creative and calming start in its vibrant new studio.
With a bigger space, the cocoon is planning to make a dedicated music room called the Vibrations Music Room where students can take classes and where local musicians can get together for jam sessions.
“One exciting aspect of the new location is that we will have enough space for a music room. The Creative Cocoon has received funding through the Government of Manitoba for the Creative Cocoon Vibrations Music Room approved under the 2024/2025 From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL (FGP) program,” said the cocoon’s co-chair Lisa Klym. “We are hoping that room will be open to the public by March 2025.”
The cocoon is working towards offering a Garage Band Night where local musicians can get together and jam, Klym added. And they’re also working on providing music classes that are not currently offered in the community in order to further enrich Arborg’s cultural landscape.
The cocoon had met with the Town of Arborg council last year to inquire about leasing the basement of the Training Centre as it needed more space for its operation. Council passed a resolution at its Nov. 13 meeting to approve the request to lease the basement. The town gave the cocoon a discounted rate of $1,200 and also approved a grant of $5,400 a year to help the organization offset the rental fee.
In addition to music offerings, the cocoon is collaborating with local businesses and organizations, offering inclusive art programs that celebrate diversity and creating opportunities to showcase Arborg’s “incredible talent.”
The Creative Cocoon is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2016 after a number of local visionaries saw the need for an arts and wellness centre in the area. It offers arts and wellness workshops for people in Arborg and surrounding areas. The organization is advised by the Arborg Arts Committee and teams up with artists, organizations and schools to offer workshops such as theatre for children and adults, music, dance, writing and health and wellness. It also provides exhibit space for Arborg and other artists.
Some of the cocoon’s upcoming programs include the following:
- Healing Harmony Music and Games Workshop for Seniors, starting Feb. 4 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (6 weeks);
- Kid’s Felt Wreath Workshop on Feb. 5 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. (all supplies provided)
- Adult Acting Classes, starting Feb. 6 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. (6 weeks)
- Theatre and Music Workshop for Youth and People with Disabilities with special education teacher, actress and singer Dani Caldeira, starting Feb. 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. (6 weeks).
For more information about workshops and registering, email the Creative Cocoon at info@thecreativecocoon.net or call 204-494-0065. Visit the cocoon online: thecreativecocoon.ca
The Arborg Training Centre is located at 444 Recreation Centre. The training centre has an elevator to facilitate access to the basement.
