**Durham West Arts Centre (DWAC)**  
The **Durham West Arts Centre (DWAC)** is a Canadian nonprofit arts organization (Business Registration Number: 863455903RR0001) based in Pickering, Ontario, focused on fostering arts engagement and infrastructure development in Durham Region. Established to address the growing need for dedicated cultural facilities, DWAC operates as a hub organization collaborating with artists, arts groups, and community partners.

### History and Mission  
DWAC seeks to create and sustain connections within the local arts community while advocating for improved arts infrastructure. Its affiliated entity, the Durham West Arts Centre Foundation, is a registered charity working to construct a multipurpose arts centre through public-private partnerships. The foundation’s vision includes developing a facility with performance halls, galleries, workshops, and archival spaces to serve regional and international artists and audiences.

### Infrastructure Development  
Plans for the arts centre, developed in collaboration with municipal partners, emphasize sustainability and accessibility. Key design elements include:  
- **Performance spaces**: A main hall for large-scale events and a smaller rehearsal venue.  
- **Visual arts facilities**: Climate-controlled galleries and studios.  
- **Multipurpose areas**: Spaces for workshops, media art, and community events.  
- **Sustainability features**: Environmentally conscious design and energy-efficient systems.  

The proposed centre aims to enhance cultural tourism and support emerging artists while hosting national and international programming.

### Collaborations  
DWAC has partnered with the City of Pickering to advance a downtown revitalization plan that integrates the arts centre with housing, library expansions, and seniors’ facilities. The project aligns with municipal goals to bolster economic growth and cultural vitality in the region.

[1] https://www.dwac.ca [2] http://dwacfoundation.ca [3] https://www.mapquest.com/ca/ontario/durham-west-arts-centre-454619879 [4] https://dwacfoundation.wordpress.com [5] http://dwacfoundation.ca/vision.html