On January 24th I attended the Winter Fundraiser for CO*LAB at the venue located at 9641 102A Avenue. The fundraiser included lantern making and repair, a pop-up station where folks could make their own patches, a silent auction, clothing exchange, and performances by local bands Dancing Auras and Funk Cove. It was well attended, with many folks showing up in Funk Cove t-shirts. 

I asked Nicole Bodnaresk, the drummer of Dancing Auras, why she was willing to volunteer to play the fundraiser. “It’s such an awesome facility and what is offered here is totally amazing and it really aligns with the values of everyone in Dancing Auras. The venue brings people together and supports so many different cultures and people through art and through creation. Creation is the key to coming together as community and humanity and promotes healing.”

Sarah Dotimas, one of the organizers of the fundraiser said, “I love CO*LAB. I think it’s a great arts and community space. I was here when Tee Pee Treats was here and I loved that the venue creates safe space for community members, really for everybody. I have been in this space for music and birthdays. I’m passionate about keeping this space open, activated and animated.” 

In 2024, CO*LAB was dangerously close to losing its funding from the City. Many people made calls to their city councillors and the funding was continued. I asked Anne Stevenson, City Councillor for Ward O-day’min, to explain why she went to bat for CO*LAB. She said, “I always think of CO*LAB as a beacon in The Quarters. From its bright and beautiful exterior to the incredible arts and community work that happens inside, it represents the kind of city we want to build here and across Edmonton. I’m glad to be able to support this organization and will keep looking for ways to help them and the neighbourhood thrive.”

Larissa Poseluzny, the Operating Director of CO*LAB, talked about how the venue was doing now. “To be honest we are still struggling. We are hopefully going to be having more arts nights like we did in 2022. We would like to have weekly programming whether it be a t-shirt screen printing class or a night where artists can come out and have a space to make art. We are collaborating with Beyond Rainbow for a DJ workshop. We are also going to be collaborating with local downtown galleries with Arts Bus.”

The first test workshop with Beyond Rainbow was planned for March 20th prior to the GLOW Festival on March 22nd. Workshop attendees learned in modules and then had the opportunity to DJ at the GLOW Festival.

Larissa was also excited to say that they have plans to develop community gardens in their courtyard. This is contingent on receiving funding.

I asked Larissa how people can help the venue. She said, “Attend events and workshops and you can donate to our GoFundMe.” CO*LAB’s GoFundMe is located at www.gofundme.com/f/supportyourcommunity.

Corine Demas is the President of the McCauley Community League and Executive Director of the Heart of the City Festival.

Note (added March 29th, 2025): Following the publication of this article, Lorin Klask, Artistic Director of Quarters Arts Society (the non-profit organization that operates CO*LAB), contacted Boyle McCauley News to clarify that CO*LAB does not currently receive operational funding from the City.