Concordia’s Centre for Creative Reuse (CUCCR) launches a new space
Photo of the new satellite by Anna Timm-Bottos, founder and project coordinator at Concordia's Center for Creative Reuse (CUCCR).
Concordia’s Centre for Creative Reuse (CUCCR) has opened a second CUCCR satellite space in the VA Building dedicated to Fine Arts students. The initiative expands on CUCCR’s mission to divert usable materials from Concordia’s waste stream and make them available, free of charge, for creative projects.
The VA Satellite is located in room VA 012, in the basement of the VA Building.
A resource tailored for Fine Arts
The satellite offers a rotating selection of free, donated art materials, ranging from paper and fabric to raw supplies for art-making. Like CUCCR’s main Used Material Depot in the Grey Nuns Building and the EV Satellite, the VA hub is a community hub: students, faculty and staff help keep the space functional by sorting, tidying and ensuring it remains inviting for all users.
The space is equipped with a self-checkout station where users can weigh and sign out their items. Tracking usage is an important part of CUCCR’s mandate to monitor impact and support Concordia’s sustainability goals.
Last year, the CUCCR depot in Grey Nuns diverted a record 11,357 kg of material from landfill, resulting in more than $113,600 in community savings. Expanding CUCCR’s presence across campus moves the community closer to ambitious targets for waste reduction and diversion.
Students-driven initiative
By opening a satellite directly in the VA building, students can access reused materials more quickly and conveniently, without needing to leave the building to source supplies.
“The idea of a VA satellite is something Fine Arts students, faculty and staff, wanted for a long time,” says Kelly Jazvac, Studio Arts prof and Sustainability of Fine Arts committee member.
“The new location builds on long-standing enthusiasm from students eager to see creative reuse more deeply embedded in their daily practice,” adds Anna Timm-Bottos, Reuse program and sustainability specialist in the Office of Sustainability.
Students interested in getting involved can sign up for volunteer shifts through the CUCCR’s website.
Visit the CUCCR and discover the sustainable initiatives at the Faculty of Fine Arts.