The Chilliwack Arts and Cultural Centre Society is able to host more movie screenings, corporate meetings and seminars thanks to a grant from a local organization.
The society received a $11,916.77 grant from the Chilliwack Foundation last year which was used recently to purchase laser projectors and a portable PA system for the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
The equipment has since played a pivotal role in expanding the society's capacity to host a wide range of community events, including corporate training, business meetings, and film screenings.
The portable PA system has been especially transformative, allowing the society to utilize different spaces within the Chilliwack Cultural Centre more flexibly. Unlike their larger rooms equipped with built-in PA systems, smaller spaces can now accommodate smaller group events. This adaptability has made it possible for meetings and gatherings to be held in various rooms, enhancing the overall functionality of the centre.
“More community meetings take place here,” said Jean-Louis Bleau, executive director of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. “We allow community art groups to use the boardroom where the projector lives. It’s free to use, with the understanding that they contribute back to the community in their own way.
"These resources are used for the creation of art, but we want to be a community hub for businesses too.”
This latest grant is part of a broader relationship between the Chilliwack Foundation and the Chilliwack Arts and Cultural Centre Society, with total grants awarded to date amounting to $145,123.53. Previous funding has facilitated significant upgrades, including lighting and a high-quality projector for the main theatre. These enhancements have reduced the venue's carbon footprint and enabled the Society to host events, such as the Independent Film Festival’s feature film and closing ceremony. The projector will continue to be an asset as the society prepares to host additional screenings for the Toronto Film Festival later this year.
“Without the Chilliwack Foundation Grant Program, we would be falling behind. They make a world of difference and contribute to making Chilliwack such a great place to live,” Bleau added.
To find out more about the Chilliwack Foundation's grant program, go to chilliwackfoundation.com/overview-of-grant-programme/how-to-apply-for-grants. Grant applications may be submitted twice a year, in the spring and fall. The next deadline is Oct. 28, 2024.
