8 years of sustainability and creativity at Concordia’s Centre for Creative Reuse
Ask Anna Timm-Bottos, founder and project coordinator of the Concordia University Centre for Creative Reuse (CUCCR), what excites her most about the on-campus organization’s upcoming anniversary, and her enthusiasm is palpable.
“It’s a birthday party!” says Timm-Bottos, who is also the reuse programming and sustainability specialist in the Office of Sustainability. “More than anything, it’s a chance to come together and celebrate what people create, which is really important.”
On March 11, CUCCR will celebrate its eighth anniversary with a vibrant event at 4TH SPACE. The milestone occasion will bring together artists and makers who have found and repurposed materials from CUCCR, as well as sustainability advocates, to highlight the organization’s impact on creative reuse and the wider community.
The festivities will happen in two parts: a maker and artist market from 12 to 4 p.m., followed by a celebration and mix-and-mingle from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to all.
A showcase of reuse and ingenuity
CUCCR has long served as a hub for reclaiming and repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste. Last year, the organization helped divert more than 8,000 kilograms from landfills — and save over $100,000.
The maker and artist market will highlight a diverse array of creations crafted from reclaimed materials sourced at CUCCR. Many participating artists have been involved with the organization over the years, using salvaged materials to create everything from fine art to functional items.
Some will also donate a portion of their sales to support CUCCR’s ongoing efforts.
“To participate, artists and makers had to incorporate CUCCR materials into their work,” explains Timm-Bottos. “Each submission includes a brief description of the piece and the creative process behind it, adding a storytelling element to the event.”
Beyond traditional art, the afternoon will also feature works from individuals who have used repurposed materials for non-artistic purposes, such as building custom shelves or tackling unique do-it-yourself projects.
“These are the stories I really want to highlight because they show the many ways people use CUCCR materials,” says Timm-Bottos. “While fine art often gets the spotlight, CUCCR is a community space open to everyone.”
More than an art market
At the anniversary celebration, visitors will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories about their reuse experiences, browse and purchase art and learn more about CUCCR’s ongoing sustainability initiatives.
4TH SPACE will also host a livestream for a portion of the day so those unable to attend in person can meet vendors, hear testimonials and explore the different ways reclaimed materials have been transformed.
"We really want people to feel welcome and excited to be here,” Timm-Bottos says. “Our first birthday had about 200 people packed into the VAV Gallery, and we hope this year brings that same energy. It’s an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve created together and keep that momentum going.”
Join the Concordia Centre for Creative Reuse (CUCCR) eighth-anniversary celebration on March 11. To learn more CUCCR’s mission and initiatives, visit their web page.
