Activation of Underused Vancouver Civic Theatre Spaces Through Pilot Program

Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza / Photo via vancouver.ca

As part of a one-year pilot program, Vancouver Civic Theatres (VCT) will provide grants of subsidized rental fees to arts organizations and not-for-profit community groups for use of underused VCT spaces such as the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza and the Orpheum Annex. 

The goal is to successfully negotiate short term rental engagements with Vancouver arts organizations, not-for-profit local community driven groups (e.g. food, fitness, dance, martial arts or similar health and wellness-focused groups) as well as community based festivals/events celebrating diversity within the city. The grant program aims to reduce the gap between the City's rental rates and the ability of a group to pay the rent, resulting in increased use of the spaces.

This initiative will also contribute to Vancouver’s liveable city status by providing urban space for community engagement focusing on local food, health, wellness and diversity as addressed by City’s goals of cultural engagement, health and wellness.

The one-year pilot grant program, approved by City Council on April 19, will subsidize up to a maximum of $100,000. 

Each subsidy will be in the amount of published rates for any of VCT spaces with the priority given to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, the Orpheum Annex, and lobbies of all venues as gallery type spaces for activations of visual and media arts programs. 

Eligibility Criteria and Process

• Organizations must have cultural, social or other NFP mandate
• Eligible events will qualify under City of Vancouver existing Cultural and Social grants’ guidelines
• The intake will be ongoing throughout the year
• First come-first served basis

How to Apply

Send proposals to Krista Edwardson, Vancouver Civic Theatres Marketing Manager at krista.edwardson@vancouver.ca and Peter Kendal, Booking Manager at peter.kendall@vancouver.ca.