SOPAC gathers for annual general meeting

The South Okanagan Performing Arts Centre Society is coming together for its annual general meeting next week as it continues working to create a new theatre space in Penticton.

The topics of discussion will include two recent developments, starting with a recent Penticton city council agreed to hold the old Nanaimo Hall property until March 31, 2019, allowing the group time to organize and hold a symposium regarding the proposed theatre facility and report back to council.

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According to SOPAC, the symposium will identify the best options for creating a new, purpose-built creative and performing arts centre in Penticton, serving the South Okanagan.

The second important development is a $30,000 grant from the province and Creative B.C. in support of the symposium.

“We are very grateful for this grant,” said Allan Markin, SOPAC president. “It will help us to receive beneficial advice from experts in theatre design and management: architects, theatre managers, performing arts educators, and experts in the technical, economic and business aspects of the arts and cultural economy.”

SOPAC is continuing to fundraise for the symposium to ensure they have funds to mount a three-day event with key speakers and presenters from across the country, along with ensuring there is broad participation by local and regional stakeholders.

Markin said that input will be critical to SOPAC’s success.

Guest speaker at the AGM is Peter Weeber, Penticton’s chief administrative officer. The AGM will be held at the Shatford Centre in Penticton on Feb. 18 starting at 2 p.m. Registration and membership table will be open at 1 p.m. All members and supporters of the SOPAC vision are encouraged to attend. New members are welcome.