BY BECKY SHEASBY
As dusk settles across Kitchener, a flicker of light shoots from the top of Kitchener city hall. High in the sky, images and videos splash across city hall’s giant grey square; they call it, The Cube.
The Cube sits atop the building and harbours a mechanical room. The outside features two plain grey walls during the day, but at night, those walls grab people’s attention. The two-sided outdoor surface lights up every evening with a show of videos, photos and advertisements from powerful projectors.
The Cube’s projectors were donated by Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. and installed by Sherwood Systems. When Christie Digital found out about Kitchener’s plans, they quickly jumped on board to support the digital media field.
“Christie Digital employs 700 people here in Kitchener,” said Rod Regier, the executive director of Economic Development for the City of Kitchener. The Cube has brought jobs and entertainment to downtown.
The Cube was first discussed five years ago. There was a lack of showcasing for digital media in the Kitchener area so city hall staff began to brainstorm. Kitchener decided to spearhead the region’s one and only outdoor digital art gallery. The Cube both promotes the digital media arts and draws attention to the new developments happening downtown in a creative and unique way.
It has also hosted its very first art gallery exhibit this past summer. Called the Sky Gallery, it featured local artists, photographers and digital media artists in an official gallery.
“I had no idea it was there, it’s such a good idea,” said Jennesa Dyck, a Kitchener resident when The Cube was pointed out to her.
The Cube shines every night at dusk except for nights holding city-sponsored events. Local artists and other creative individuals can submit photos or videos to be shown by The Cube by contacting Hilary Abel, city hall’s downtown marketing and program co-ordinator, at 519-741-2200, ext.7097.
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