New Arts Hub Officially Named the BMO Theatre Centre

On July 22 Arts Club Theatre Company and Bard on the Beach unveiled the name of their new facility, the BMO Theatre Centre, in honour of a $1.2 million dollar donation from BMO Financial Group. The establishment, which will include a 250-seat theatre, four rehearsal halls, costume and props shops, and offices, is scheduled to open this fall at 162 West 1st Avenue.

They have also dubbed the 250-seat theatre the the Goldcorp Stage, in recognition of that organization's $500,000 donation. That gift will fund the installation of state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems in the performance venue.

“We are truly grateful to these generous corporate citizens who have proven their vision and community leadership by helping us realize this dream project, which will enrich our arts community for years to come,” said Claire Sakaki, managing director, Bard on the Beach. 

In addition to private support, the City of Vancouver gave $14.6 million; other public funding for the project includes the Department of Canadian Heritage’s contribution of $2.5 million, and $1 million from the British Columbia’s Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.