Performing Arts Centre - Functional Planning & Preliminary Design

Background

The need for a Performing Arts Centre has been identified as far back as the 2007 Recreation and Culture Master Plan. The 2013 Recreation and Culture Master Plan, also included a Performing Arts Centre as a need in the community.

In May 2010, the Lethbridge Performing Arts Centre Study was conducted. It was determined that existing facilities were inadequate for current-day performances both in venue design and availability. The study contained a needs assessment and recommendations, a business plan, a building program and a schematic design.

In 2011, a second study was commissioned, this time engaging theatre specialists to evaluate the initial recommendations. From this, the Performing Arts Theatre Study Review was completed, resulting in a reduction in the size and scope of the initial recommendations.

Today, the City's current theatre, Genevieve E. Yates Memorial Centre is booked to capacity and cannot accommodate additional bookings or new performance opportunities. Despite upgrades to this facility, there is still a high demand for quality performing arts space in Lethbridge.

This project includes the establishment of the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) Steering Committee to guide the functional planning and preliminary design for a potential Performing Arts Centre in Lethbridge.

The Steering Committee will complete a review of past studies and develop the scope for a new Performing Arts Centre facility. This will be done in the context of Lethbridge's current and future needs. The work includes the study of operational models, theatre types, sizes and amenities as well as site selection. The project also includes the acquisition of a design consultant to develop the initial facility design and establish construction and operating costs.

The project does not include the construction of a new Performing Arts Centre but rather prepares the City, if funding should become available.

Vision
The Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is a multi-use performing arts and community facility that showcases both emerging and experienced performers. The PAC is a vibrant regional hub that energizes the community and captures the cultural and economic vitality of live artistic performance.

Guiding Principles

• Active: The PAC will always be a busy space. As a vibrant hub for the community, the facility will support and foster a variety of performing arts and community-based uses. It will be versatile and nimble, designed to grow, develop, change, and adapt alongside our evolving community.
• Connected: A successful PAC will enable collaboration among artists, arts groups, community partners, and businesses. It will be supported and used by as many stakeholders as possible, and could serve as an anchor for the potential future development of an entertainment district.
• Welcoming: The PAC will provide space for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to come together to share in the performing arts. It will create opportunities for members of our community to share in programs and performing arts presentations.
• Sustainable: From the construction of the building and its operations and amenities to facility programming and presentations, all PAC decisions will help create a viable facility now and for years to come.

Visit our project page on the City of Lethbridge website for more information Performing Arts Centre - Functional Planning & Preliminary Design.