History:

The Rotary Centre for the Arts, which first opened for business on November 2, 2002, is a multi-purpose venue hosting special events, theatre, music, and visual arts. The old Growers Supply Building previously existed where the Rotary Centre for the Arts now sits. The Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Society manages the building, which  Kelowna BC, Canada owns. The need for an arts facility became more evident in the early 1990s.

 

The Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society (KVPACS) hoped to see the old Growers Supply building transformed into a cultural center for amateur arts and commercial businesses relating to the arts, with cultural tourism rising.

Rotary Center for the Arts

When the Kelowna City Council decided to conduct a feasibility study on the old Growers Supply Building in 1993, their vision became a reality.

Concerts, conferences, plays, presentations, fairs, art courses – salsa and belly dancing, jewelry making, digital photography, rock and gem identification, pottery, youth art programs, adult programs, art galleries, school group programs, storybook theatre, basement musicians circle, and drop-in drumming circle are just a few of the events and functions held at the Centre. They share a lot of equipment with the Community Theatre and community initiatives to save money.

Room rental, leases, fundraising programs, grants, City of Kelowna BC contributions, and BCTC/BC Arts Council support and contribute to the annual operating budget of $1.2 million.

The loss of gaming funds and the increasing difficulty of successful fundraising events are two major challenges being managed.

 The Centre’s goals are to:

 Operate center as a multi-purpose arts facility.

  • Nurture and develop an appreciation for the arts.
  • Organize visual and performing arts programming for the community.
  • Make the facilities available for community rental at a reasonable price.
  • To provide educational opportunities in the arts,
  • Collaborate in the development of the arts with government, business, community groups, and individuals.

 

Rental Places and their cost:

Mary Irwin Theatre

Cost: $985 or 10% of gross

Salloum Rehearsal Hall

Cost: $40/hr or $278/day

Sun FM Dance Studio

Cost: $38/hr or $260/day

 

Pacific Safety Products Boardroom

Cost: $64/hr or $380/day

 

Harmony Honda Painting & Drawing Studio

Cost: $33/hr or $253/day

 

South Atrium

Cost: $138/hr or $825/day

 

Delta Grand Okanagan & Sun-Rype Upper Theatre Lobby

Cost: $66/hr

 

Alex Fong Galleria

Cost: Available upon request

 

Daily Courier Performance Court

Cost: $70/hr or $424/day

 

RCA Whole Building Rental

Cost: Available upon request

 

Equipment Rentals

 

Phone

(250) 717-5304

 

Address

421 Cawston Avenue

Kelowna, BC V1Y 6Z1

 

Building Hours

Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm

Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday from 10 am to 4 pm

 

Box Office Hours

Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

 

Smart Choice Kitchens

Harvest Golf Course

Contact Us

Address

Smart Choice Kitchens 2250  Acland Rd #103B, Kelowna, BC V1X 6N6