VIU theatre students hold up signs that say ‘Help renew VIU’s Malaspina Theatre – Donate to Replace a Seat’ in support of the Encore campaign.
April 14, 2016 - 8:45am
Encore campaign will breathe new life into VIU’S Malaspina Theatre
A comprehensive fundraising campaign called Encore is currently underway to bring Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) aging Malaspina Theatre into the 21st century ― and it represents a unique opportunity for Nanaimo citizens and businesses to give back to the theatre that over the past 40 years has given so much to the community.
“We have tightened bolts, repaired fabric and oiled springs, extracting every ounce of life from these seats,” says VIU Theatre Chair Leon Potter. “There’s just no getting around it. We owe it not just to theatre-goers but to all of the artists who work so hard to brighten our lives and inspire us. With the community’s support, I know we can create a space that will continue to provide exhilarating experiences to theatre-goers for another 40 years.”
For as little as $100, you can be a permanent part of the excitement. All donors will be listed on the donor wall in the lobby of the Malaspina Theatre and be invited to the grand re-opening of VIU's Malaspina Theatre. With donations at the $300, $400 and $500 levels a customized plaque will be mounted on a seat that will permanently recognize you or your business’s donation.
Potter encourages business owners, in particular, to take advantage of the opportunity to have their business name immortalized in the historic Malaspina Theatre.
“We are known for hosting an incredible array of music, theatre and dance productions but the Malaspina Theatre is also home to conferences, graduation ceremonies, public debates, memorials, and much, much more,” says Potter. “We host over 10,000 people each year which is why it’s so important to restore the theatre building into a vibrant, professional space and cultural centre the community can be proud of. In whatever capacity the building is used ― as a lecture hall, theatre, political forum, gallery or concert hall ― those who donate will be part of something unique and dynamic.”
The Encore campaign was launched to raise enough money to help refurbish the lobby, replace the seats and equipment to transform the Malaspina Theatre into one of the finest communal spaces in the region.
Donors are also encouraged to dedicate a seat in memory of a loved one, or donate in an organization’s name, and will be provided with a tax receipt for the full amount of their donation. Payment plans are also available.
For full details and to learn how you can help, contact Kamala Haughton at kamala.haughton@viu.ca, 250-740-6215 or go to: www.viu.ca/encore.
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Media Contact
Jennifer McGarrigle, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca T: @viunews
Tags: In the Community
