Kirkbride Becomes Apartments For The Arts
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People are living on the grounds of the old Kirkbride hospital in Fergus Falls for the first time in 10–years.
Springboard For the Arts hosts artists in celebrating the spirit of the Kirkbride.
200 people took to the century–old former state mental health hospital grounds last Friday for an open house and now the first of four confirmed tenants has already moved in.
Nick Nerburn is one of the lucky chosen ones ready to embark on an adventure exploring the past.
Resident Artist Nick Nerburn says, “You can apply for anywhere between 2 to 12 weeks as an artist.”
The Springboard For Arts will host 10 artists to foster an interaction with the past and future of the Kirkbride.
The nationally recognized historic building closed in 2005 and an effort is underway to convert the old hospital into apartments, a hotel and restaurants.
Rural Program Director Michele Anderson says, “Artists get a living stipend but they also get project support so if they want to do a project that involves the community or the Kirkbride they can apply for up to $5,000.”
They are living in the former male nurse’s dormitory on the ground.
David Schlossman says, “What’s interesting is that a few years ago this building was unusable and we saw the redevelopment potential and now a building that was potentially going to be demolished.”
Renovation developers had limitations altering building windows, door frames, and the original hardwood floors since all of the buildings are on the national Register of historic places.
The LLC Campus Director says, “Our focus right now is saving as many of these buildings as we can and starting with the smaller buildings. This building was originally a nurse’s cottage.”
Spring Board For The Arts believes artists should come to be inspired. While artists believe their presence on–campus is a memorial of what the Kirkbride represents.
Nerburn adds, “For the future of the building, we need to think how we want to remember it and how we want to remember all the things that happened here.”
You can view some Kirkbride artwork and find more apartment information at http://imaginefergusfalls.tumblr.com/
