February 14, 2020
The Board of Education would like to express our support for the proposed new Centre for the Arts in Kamloops.
We believe that a robust arts community provides an increased opportunity for our students to grow and thrive. Research indicates that students that participate in a rich variety of arts experiences have a better educational outcome and increased achievement rates.
While we are very happy to share the Sagebrush Theatre with the community, the fact that the facility is fully booked almost a year in advance does reduce the opportunities for schools to use the theatre for class projects, school productions and other district events. Having more performance space in the city will mean that not only will class and school productions be able to increase, but that many smaller community groups such as dance classes will also have the ability to showcase their talents.
Having additional performance space will also increase the opportunities for our students to take part in productions and gain experience in the performing arts, both on the stage and behind the scenes. With a growing film industry in the region, having the opportunity for students to gain experience will allow them to develop skills that they can use to participate not only in film production, but also in the growing fields of advertising, marketing and digital media.
While we have been successful in recruiting teachers to our district, having an enriched arts community and the opportunity to see more artists and performers will increase our ability to attract gifted and talented young teaching professionals. Combined with our already world class sporting facilities and other recreational opportunities, this addition will make Kamloops a city that is attractive to a wide variety of professionals. This increased economic diversity will only continue to benefit all of our students and staff, our community and region.
With the understanding that the Society has developed a sustainable business plan, that the addition of a performing arts centre will result in increased economic diversity and growth and that our students will directly benefit from increased access to arts experiences, the board has voted to support the Kamloops Centre for the Arts.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Karpuk, Chair
Board of Education SD73 (Kamloops – Thompson)
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