Rotary Center for the Arts

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.