Vancouver Performing Arts Organizations Rely On Found Spaces

Friends and Artists,

One cannot deny that Vancouver, Washington is one of the fastest growing communities in the Unites States, and has recently experienced a renaissance both culturally and economically with the revitalization of the downtown waterfront. World-class cuisine, internationally recognized vintners, and the river-front promenade attract visitors and locals alike, but begs the question: what else is there to do after dinner and a walk?

Any other major metropolitan community would answer this question with a recommendation to take in the local performing arts. The fourth largest city in the state, however, lacks a dedicated facility for live performance.

Not since the early years of the 20th century have the residents of Vancouver constructed a facility specifically suited for enjoying live performance, apart from facilities included in the school system. With the transition from Vaudeville to cinema, the city neglected to invest in a dedicated performing arts venue as the years of the century rolled by.

Residents became complacent with the idea of travelling to Portland to enjoy touring Broadway productions, dance, opera, and symphonic works in one of that city's FIVE dedicated public performing arts venues (The Keller Auditorium, The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, The Newmark Theater, The Winningstad Theatre, and Brunnish Hall). In addition to these civic spaces, many Portland performing arts groups are fortunate enough to present in their own spaces, such as BodyVox Dance, The Lakewood Theatre Company, and Broadway Rose Theatre Company. Vancouver's only non-educational performing arts organization with its own space remains Magenta Theater, only after years of performing in a local church.

Churches. Hotel lobbies. Converted historic homes. Vacant shops in strip-malls. Movie theaters. High-rental-fee public school auditoriums. These have become the options for local performing arts organizations. With no alternatives to accommodate large touring productions, SW Washington residents are forced to put their entertainment dollars into the Portland economy should they wish to enjoy visiting world-class artists. While the Vancouver school system does offer an amazing venue in Skyview Auditorium, the experience of attending a world-class symphony in a high school auditorium doesn't scream date night.

The Southwest Washington Center for the Arts hopes to shed light on this issue by presenting the PNW local, nationally recognized "Liberace & Liza: A Tribute" at Kiggins Theatre this upcoming Wednesday, June 1st at 7 PM. It may seem odd to present a one-night only performance in the middle of the work-week, but these are the limitations our local performing artists face by being forced to explore found spaces to present their craft. The Kiggins Theatre has been very supportive to the local arts scene by making their facility accessible to performing arts groups, with the understanding that availability for one of downtown Vancouver's largest non-educational auditoriums is relegated to evenings when films are not showing at the historic single screen movie house.

This is the time for the residents of Southwest Washington to recognize that our community is lacking a cultural hub, a facility that can support local performing arts organizations and expose our citizens to performances from across the globe. The Southwest Washington Center for the Arts is working diligently to make this a reality by bringing a privately funded, world-class venue equipped with a main auditorium seating 1250+ patrons, and a flexible performance space seating up to 300 that could accommodate the needs of our local arts groups that are currently reliant on found spaces. Flexible event spaces, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, dining, and art exhibition spaces are also included in the forecasted design of the 60,000 square foot facility. We appreciate the support of the community as we explore possible locations for the venue.

To help make this a reality, please sign and share our petition that will illustrate to city leaders that our community is invested in the arts. Financial gifts toward the project may be made here.

We hope to see you all at Kiggins Theatre June 1st!