Destruction of Massey will chase artists from New Westminster

Hello,

     It is with sadness and incredulity that I learned today that the New Westminster school district is questioning the validity and necessity of maintaining the Massey Theatre, and instead would rather see it demolished.  After a recent about-face by the B.C. provincial government during the budget announcement which saw artists' voices become very important in the process, it is beyond me why the school district would take any action that would deter its city's artists.  Of Canada's major cities, B.C.'s lower mainland has the most disappointing showing when it comes to feasible theatre venues.  With the demolishing of the Massey Theatre, we would be giving our artists even less options, and force them to move to other cities (Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, etc.) that have chosen to make it a priority to provide their artists with high-quality, affordable theatre venues.  I hope that you will take the time to consider the profound and devastating effects that this action will create.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

     Steven Greenfield