For Calgary’s Grand Theatre, the show must go on.
The Grand Theatre Society reached a five-year agreement with its landlord, Allied Properties REIT, to preserve and revitalize Western Canada’s oldest theatre.
The institution opened 1912 — the same year as the very first Calgary Stampede — as part of the Lougheed Block in downtown Calgary.
The society called the new partnership innovative and praised Allied Properties’ willingness to collaborate with Calgary’s performing arts community.
Devon LeClair, board chair of The Grand Theatre Society, told CBC News the deal came together after several months of conversations and creative efforts to preserve the theatre.
“We still plan to operate as we did before,” LeClair said. “We’re still available for organizations to use our space, and that would be for both non-profit and for-profit organizations.”
She added the 112-year-old theatre will continue to host a multitude of performances.
“The society’s main goal is to keep The Grand Theatre operating as a performing arts space for another 112 years,” LeClair said. “We’re not particularly motivated to move to a new space.”
Earlier this month, about 70 people from the arts community gathered to provide feedback about how the theatre could be accessed by more organizations, LeClair said, adding there is high interest in leveraging the historic space for more diverse and inclusive purposes.
Katherine Penhale, executive director of the Calgary International Film Festival, said in a release she is thrilled that Allied Properties is ensuring a key part of Calgary’s history and future remains intact.
“We look forward to partnering with The Grand and ensuring we contribute actively to the stewardship of such a critical asset to the arts ecosystem,” Penhale said.
Erynn Lyster, executive director of The Grand, said the new agreement has given her renewed hope and optimism, although there is still more work to do.
“The society’s mission is to offer artists a stage for sharing and showcasing their talent,” she said. “To fulfil this commitment, and sustain the space, we invite arts organizations to make The Grand their home. We’ll also require stronger financial contributions to help make it accessible.”