The Banff Centre and the BC Arts Council today announced that Aventa New Music Society is the recipient of the inaugural Performing Arts Production Residency. This new program offers B.C. artists the opportunity to put the finishing touches on new stage works prior to the premiere performance.
“This two-week residency at The Banff Centre will allow Aventa the opportunity to work with some of Canada’s most experienced theatre artists and technicians. The Banff Centre will provide access to rehearsal studios and to the Centre’s fully-equipped theatre stages,” explained Sarah Iley, vice-president programming at the Centre. “In addition, the Centre will provide lighting, staging, and sound support, enabling the company to fully realize their creative vision.”
British Columbia Arts Council chair Donald Shumka commented, “The BC Arts Council is delighted to join The Banff Centre in announcing this inaugural award. Aventa will benefit enormously from the opportunity to focus on refining the production elements of its new opera, Marilyn.”
“This program is a prime example of how partnerships between different sectors of the arts and culture community help to develop B.C.’s world-class talent,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Bill Bennett. “I’d like to congratulate the BC Arts Council, The Banff Centre, and Aventa on what is sure to be a valuable collaboration.”
The Performing Arts Production Residency was designed to allow a company the time, space, and support to refine the production elements of a new work in dance, music, opera, theatre, or interdisciplinary practice that has already completed its initial stages of development.
The Banff Centre has a 75-year legacy of supporting artists, and has in recent years supported a variety of British Columbia performing arts companies and artists to develop new productions, including Wen Wei Dance, Ballet BC, Vancouver Playhouse, Urban Ink, Tara Cheyenne Performance, and Coriograph Theatre, among others. A catalyst for creativity, the Centre is committed to the development and showcasing of new work.
The BC Arts Council was established by the Province of British Columbia to provide support for arts and culture in British Columbia, and to provide persons and organizations with the opportunity to participate in arts and cultural activities.
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» Backgrounder on the Aventa New Music Society
Contact:
David Greer
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
David.Greer@gov.bc.ca
250 387-2799
Jill Sawyer
The Banff Centre
Jill_sawyer@banffcentre.ca
403-762-6475
