Goldcorp and BMO Financial Group Make Combined $2 Million Donation to Vancouver’s Cultural Community

Recently, Goldcorp and the BMO Financial Group made a combined $2 million donation to The Arts Club Theatre Company and the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival.

BMO Financial Group donated $1.5 million, which will be used primarily towards the construction of a new facility, while Goldcorp made a $500,000 donation that will allow for the installation of state-of-the-art, modern sound and lighting systems in this versatile new 250-seat performance space.

Scheduled to open this fall, the new BMO Theatre Centre will enable both organizations to better serve the community, while permitting The Arts Club Theatre Company to operate more effectively. The Arts Club and Bard on the Beach have also announced the naming of the new Goldcorp Stage, which will be housed at the new Centre.

Founded in 1964, The Arts Club Theatre Company is the largest not-for-profit organization of its kind in Western Canada. It offers professional theatre at three venues - the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, Granville Island Stage, and the new Goldcorp Stage — as well as on tour throughout British Columbia, Canada.

Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest not-for-profit professional Shakespeare festival. Established in 1990, Bard’s mission is to perform, explore and celebrate the genius of William Shakespeare. The Festival is staged every summer in Vanier Park, surrounded by Vancouver’s natural beauty. Bard also offers a variety of year-round educational programs serving children, youth and adults.

“We are truly grateful to these generous corporate citizens who have proven their vision and community leadership by helping us realize this dream project, which will enrich our arts community for years to come,” said Claire Sakaki, Managing Director, Bard on the Beach. “With this support from BMO and Goldcorp, we can now inspire and entertain a broader cross-section of our community,” continued Peter Cathie White, Executive Director, Arts Club Theatre Company.

The new BMO Theatre Centre and Goldcorp Stage will provide both the Arts Club and Bard on the Beach with expanded possibilities for the development of new productions, as well as allowing both companies to grow their current education and training programs. The theatre will also be available for other non-profit arts organizations to rent at-cost.

“Goldcorp is committed to making a positive difference here in Vancouver as well as those communities where we operate our mines,” said Chuck Jeannes, President and Chief Executive Officer, Goldcorp. “We believe strong, vibrant, and sustainable communities are possible through contributions to the arts, education, health, and community development, and with this gift, we’re helping to do just that.”

Goldcorp is a longtime supporter of the arts community in Vancouver and has been a corporate partner sponsor of Bard for many years.