– by Susan Simosko –
Pass by the Mary Winspear Centre (MWC) parking lot these days and what do you see? Cars, cars and more cars! Step inside and you begin to understand why residents and visitors alike flock to the Peninsula’s cultural hub. Whether it’s to enjoy a concert by world-class performers such as Colin James or Ben Heppner or attend a conference, special event or class, the Centre is alive with activity and controlled chaos.
According to Brad Edgett, the Executive Director of the MWC, over 185,000 people visited the Centre last year, with an economic impact to the area of $6.5 million. “The average conference attendee spends $330 dollars per day on accommodation, food, entertainment and gifts,” Brad says. Last year alone, the Centre hosted seven conferences, with more planned into 2017!
“Organizations know a good thing when they see it,” Brad tells me. “Not only do we have a spacious, state-of-the-art facility, we enjoy an astoundingly beautiful and vibrant community with great amenities at affordable prices – and that includes direct travel by air and sea. Truly, it’s an extraordinary deal for most organizations.” According to Brad, one such organization, the American Rhododendron Society, already has scheduled its 70th anniversary conference at the MWC in 2015. Check out their dynamic promotional video at http://2015rhodo.ca/keynote-speakers/).
While Brad loves to share the economic good news story, he’s equally pleased to share another aspect: “Not only are the arts an incredible force for economic development, they contribute to the community’s social health too.” He tells me that arts and culture create important community networks, reduce isolation by enabling people to make friends, and provide valuable cross-generational opportunities. Brad also shares a fascinating statistic: people who attend arts and culture events are 47% more likely to volunteer and donate to local charities.
Brad and his staff are also proud of the growth of visual arts events at the Centre. Among others, the Centre hosts the highly-regarded Sidney Fine Arts Show and one of the largest exhibits of First Nations and Métis art in Canada. “The calibre of work in both shows is amazing,” Brad enthuses. “I already look forward to the next ones in August and October.”
The Centre opened its doors in 2001 with hard work from people like Richard Holmes, John Bell, and others in the community and generous donations from the Winspear, Bodine and Charlie White families, among others. For all who lived here then, it was an exciting time: from the day it opened, the Centre offered inspiring possibilities for the entire community.
“What most people don’t realize,” Brad reminds me, “is that the Centre is actually three separate entities bound together. The Foundation raises funds to support the Centre, the Memorial Park Society oversees the land, and the building serves the people!”
Memorial Park Society, established in 1921, is a direct result of the First World War. With its 100-year history, the Society is the steward of the land, which continues to serve as a living memorial to those who gave their lives for future generations of Canadians.
The District of North Saanich and Sidney provide 27% of the Centre’s funds. The rest comes from the tickets you and I purchase, rental fees, and donations. “Right now,” Brad tells me, the Centre has a significant challenge. “In spite of our continued growth and commitment to attract first-rate entertainers and events, we desperately need to plan for the future. And that will require raising money – approximately $2.5 million – for capital restoration over the next 15 years.”
Working with Kinetic Construction, Ltd., the original builders of the MWC, the Centre has developed a plan to guarantee that the building and its contents continue to meet the expectations of users and comply with legislated standards for health and safety. “That’s the only way we can ensure the continuity of the Centre,” Brad says. “I want people to understand that we have an incredible community facility, but it needs care and periodic upgrades.”
Along with Brad, the Centre employs 10 full-time staff, several part-timers and an “awesome group of volunteers,” as Brad puts it. “Together we have an amazing team. Their dedication and hard work truly inspire me.”
This month the MWC launches a new website (www.marywinspear.ca). It’s easy to use, informative, and designed to attract – and excite – local and international visitors alike. Hats off to all, past and present, who have contributed so much to the growth and development of our treasured MWC. We are lucky to have it – now and for generations to come!
For more information about the MWC, or to give input on Centre happenings, contact Brad at bedgett@marywinspear.ca.
