Whatever plans the City had for a performing arts centre will be completely revised after the public provides input on the matter, a committee tasked with guiding the facility said Tuesday.
As for a timeline on when the arts community could see the centre built, committee members Norm Daley and Michael Fane agree sooner is better than later.
“I’d like it to happen yesterday,” said Daley, a local accountant. “I know this is a process and it takes time.”
Plans for a performing arts centre were outlined in a strategic plan almost 10 years ago with little visible movement since.
On Saturday, during the annual Mayor’s Gala for the Arts, Peter Milobar revealed the members of a new committee that will explore what the arts centre might look like.
He also set a date for a public input session for Saturday, Feb. 23. The event takes place at the Tournament Capital Centre from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to Daley and Fane, the committee is made up of Sandy Watt, Fiona Chan, and Thompson Rivers University president Alan Shaver.
The committee has met a couple of times to discuss with Milobar his visions for a performing arts centre and to familiarize themselves with what was envisioned in the strategic plan.
There’s not a lot that can be done now until after the committee has heard from the public, said Fane.
“We want the Sydney Opera House. We’re not going to get it,” said Fane.
He believes the City needs a venue with the right acoustics to compliment the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and out-of-town acts that perform in the Interior Savings Centre.
The symphony currently performs in the Sagebrush Theatre, which was designed for theatre rather than concerts, said Fane.
Daley was involved in the Tournament Capital upgrades a decade ago. He said the committee will figure out the size and scope of the facility and see if that’s affordable.
“Obviously the community needs something like this. I hope we can make it work,” said Daley.
Kamloops Symphony general manager Kathy Humphreys said the arts community is excited about the committee’s appointment.
Any previous plans for a performing arts centre need to be updated for the city’s growing population, she said.
“We’re outgrowing the facilities for arts and culture that we have in the city now,” said Humphreys.
Humphreys said 350 to 360 people attended the Mayor’s Gala for the Arts on Saturday night.
