For Immediate Release
Oct 22, 2019
KAMLOOPS, B.C. – After in-depth analysis and a grass-roots membership drive, a delegation championing the Kamloops Centre for the Arts presented its progress to City Council today.
The Kamloops Centre for the Arts Society (KCA) has made significant progress on its commitment to realizing a new centre in Kamloops – including the completion of a business case. The Society is now asking Council for its intended direction on the project so that the Society can move forward on next steps.
KCA is a group of community members who have come together to participate in and promote the establishment, development and construction of a multi-use facility for the arts in Kamloops and believe that now is the right time for this crucial project.
“The community is eager to see this major project formally launch and potential donors want to know that it’s happening,” says Norm Daley, Chair of the KCA Board of Directors. “The Society has made significant progress and we know time is of the essence. The Kamloops Recreation Master Plan has identified cultural infrastructure as the number one priority, so we believe it is both necessary and appropriate to ask for Council’s intended direction at this time.”
With over 2,000 individuals already signed up and committed as KCA members since the summer, the KCA believes it has demonstrated that the community understands the vital contribution that this Centre will make to the overall wellness, livability and economic growth of our city. The KCA is confident now is the time to take this vision to reality. “We are well on our way on the path to realization,” says Daley. “This concept has come to life and we’re so excited to see that it’s the community that is driving the initiative.”
The business case, completed on behalf of the Society by KPMG, indicates strong demand for more events and cultural attractions in Kamloops exists and yet the current facilities are not meeting the needs—or have the availability—for many performance and community events. Additionally, the business case demonstrates that a new arts facility will contribute to the revitalization of downtown Kamloops where it will support youth and education, enhance quality of life for all residents and support a vibrant arts and cultural ecosystem.
The proposed Centre located at Seymour and 4th Avenue would include 120,000 square feet of studio and theatre space consisting of two theatres and a flexible black box space that can serve multiple purposes. It will also incorporate 20,000 square feet of existing space for administrative use (the adjacent annex building to be donated by Ron and Rae Fawcett).
“The business case clearly lays out the viability, feasibility and a strategy for realizing this extraordinary piece of infrastructure, and we can’t wait to see it succeed,” says Daley.
The Kamloops Centre for the Arts Society is confident this is the right time for this project. With a growing membership, as well as a personal commitment from Ron and Rae Fawcett valued between $8 and 10 million – momentum is building and “right now” is the right time.
To request additional information or for Media Interviews please contact:
Julie Dormer
Administrative Assistant
Kamloops Centre for the Arts Society
We are building our membership to raise awareness, keep the community informed of our progress and ultimately to demonstrate community support for this project.
By joining the KCA Society as a member, you will receive project updates, have access to volunteer opportunities and belong to a group that cares about the future of arts and culture in Kamloops.
Become a Member Today