BONNYVILLE – Ground hasn’t been broken on a proposed regional fine arts theatre that is earmarked to be built in Bonnyville yet, but the theatre already has an official name.
The prospective facility to be constructed inside Bonnyville Centralized High School will be named the Strathcona Performing Arts Centre.
On Dec. 13, the Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts announced the new name following a $250,000 agreement with Strathcona Resources Ltd. that will be invested in the performing arts theatre project over three years.
Strathcona’s investment is the most significant financial contribution the foundation has received for the project to date. It is also the largest community contribution the company has made in its history, according to information provided by the Clayton Bellamy Foundation.
“We’re excited to be a part of expanding artistic opportunity in the region and supporting young and promising artists through education and mentorship,” stated Rob Morgan, president and CEO of Strathcona Resources.
“Strathcona has a passion for this community and the entire Lakeland area. It’s home to many of our team members and has been part of our company’s story since the beginning,”
The purpose of the centre is to create a space for fine arts experiences and programming for the Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul and surrounding area.
“In addition to offering space to develop and showcase local talent, the centre will support and expand on underserved areas like arts-based youth education and Indigenous culture exploration through its programming,” according to the foundation.
“Having a company like Strathcona align with our initiative in such a big way really underscores the value this performing arts centre will bring to the region,” says Clayton Bellamy, local musician, founder and president of the foundation.
The Town of Bonnyville and the City of Cold Lake have also put forward conditional funding for the initiative. Additionally, the project has garnered the support of educational partners such as MacEwan University, Portage College and Northern Lights Public Schools.
