FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre 2023 Report to Community

FIRSTONTARIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

2023 REPORT TO COMMUNITY

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is located in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario at the corner of St. Paul and Carlisle Streets on the shared traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Neutral Peoples and many other Indigenous People from across Turtle Island. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement. We offer our sincere gratitude and respect

to the original and continued stewards of this land and are reminded that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous Peoples.

We also acknowledge Indigenous, Black, other Racialized Communities and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People who have been marginalized for centuries and more — and our collective responsibility to take action for a better world free from oppression, discrimination and racism.

PHOTO: MARC DELLEDONNE

PHOTO: DAN BROWN

PHOTO: DAN BROWN

PHOTO: ROBERT DEAK

PHOTO: DAN BROWN

PHOTO: MARC DELLEDONNE

PHOTO: DAN BROWN

PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT

PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT

PHOTO: BOB MAGEE

MESSAGES FROM THE BOARD CHAIR AND CEO

As the FirstOntario PAC Board Chair, I am continually inspired by the dedication of our community to support accessible arts experiences for all. Their unwavering commitment drives us forward with purpose and passion.

This past year has reinforced the vital role that our centre plays in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Now, more than ever, we need your support to ensure that these experiences remain accessible to everyone. Whether through attending performances, volunteering your time, or making a donation, every contribution makes a difference.

As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It feels like just yesterday when I stepped into the role of CEO at the PAC, and yet here we are, celebrating our first full and uninterrupted season since my arrival in 2020. It’s been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, but through it all, one thing remains clear: it took a village to get us back to doing what we love.

To our dedicated staff, volunteers, artists and patrons, I extend my sincerest thanks. Your unwavering support and commitment to our mandate have been the driving force behind

As we navigate the challenges ahead, I urge you to stand with us in our mission to enrich lives through the power of the arts. Together, we can ensure that the PAC continues to serve as a cultural hub for generations to come. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared vision.

With gratitude,

Mario De Divitiis

MARIO

DE DIVITIIS, BOARD CHAIR

our success. Together, we’ve overcome obstacles, adapted to new circumstances and continued to bring joy through arts experiences to the masses.

As we look ahead to the future, let us carry this spirit of resilience with us. With your continued support, I am confident that we will not only survive but thrive, continuing to enrich our community with the transformative power of the arts. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Warm regards,

Colleen Smith

COLLEEN A. SMITH, CEO

ABOUT US

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) aims to engage people in exceptional live arts experiences and to enrich the lives of the citizens of St. Catharines and the Niagara region, while providing a world class venue for local, national and international artists and community arts organizations to flourish.

Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, our 95,000 square foot cultural complex opened in November 2015 and spurred an artistic, cultural and economic renaissance in downtown St. Catharines. The PAC is comprised of four state-of-the-art performance venues (Partridge Hall, Robertson Theatre, The Recital Hall and The Film House) and one outdoor space (The Mann Raceway Plaza – our backyard) which host international, national and local artists alongside community members and organizations.

Following five years of care directly managed by the City of St Catharines, the PAC came under the management and stewardship of the Board of Directors in January 2020. Functioning independently as a Municipal Service Board, comprised of business, financial, civic and community stakeholders, they are fully responsible for all operations and programs.

OUR PURPOSE

Making each day come alive through inspiring and engaging artistic experiences, for and with our community.

THE MANDATE THAT MAPS OUR WAY

As a convenor of arts, culture, and creativity, we are stewards of the beautiful multi-venue facility that is the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, and we uphold a mandate which encompasses the following three pillars:

WE PRESENT To advance the development of, and access to, arts and culture as a proud and sustainable developer, presenter, supporter and incubator of talent, creativity and knowledge building for our diverse community.

WE SUPPORT To provide infrastructure, support, growth and innovation opportunities for local and regional artists, arts workers and community organizations.

WE ENHANCE To contribute to the enhancement of a vibrant, healthy and creative downtown St Catharines.

ACTIVITY AT THE PAC

The PAC is busy! We have over 820 active venue days each year.

How is that possible? We have multiple venues hosting multiple events with a wide range of activity types. The activity represented reflects the diverse needs for this type of multipurpose space in St. Catharines. Whether it is our own programming: The Film House, imPACt, community programs or PAC Presents; Brock’s Visual Arts, Music department or Dramatic Arts programs, or our rental partners – we were here, doors open, presenting, hosting, partnering and supporting over 340 days in 2023.

PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT

PAC Film

Our cherished indie film house program with multiple screenings six days a week

Rental

Robust rental activity comprised of local arts groups, community organizations and promoters

Brock University

An extended campus for students of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts and special community events from Brock Faculty and special guests

PAC Presents

Annual season program of live performing arts experiences

Fund Development

Special events and fundraisers to raise money and awareness in support of PAC community programs

imPACt Education Series

Setting the stage for Niagara students with diverse high quality live performances from Canadian and international artists

PHOTO: JOEL NAPHIN

984 events 124,000 patrons attended $2,274,453 total revenue from all box office transactions 250,000 website visitors 1,400,000 website pageviews 29,000 social media followers

$17,503,460 total visitor spending* $13,249,293 GDP* $7,510,160 labour income*

229 rental events

121 rental and programming partners

99 free community events

537 pay-whatyou-can tickets

125 free Canoo tickets for Newcomers to Canada

594 PAC programmed events

1,191 members

54,317 PAC Presents + Film attendees

$720,493 paid artist fees

$61,368 contribution to St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program PRESENT

PHOTO: DAN BROWN

PHOTO: DAN BROWN PHOTO:

PHOTO: JOEL NAPHIN

PHOTO: ROBERT DEAK

PHOTO: MARC DELLEDONNE

PHOTO: MARC DELLEDONNE

PHOTO: DAN BROWN

PHOTO: JOEL NAPHIN

PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT

PHOTO: STUART HENDIE

PROGRAMMING AT THE PAC

The PAC offers an annual season of multidisciplinary performing arts programs featuring an eclectic mix of some of the best local, national and international artists in dance, theatre, music, circus and interdisciplinary arts.

We believe in the intrinsic role the performing arts play in building and strengthening community and we are committed to presenting a diverse range of artists that represent Canada and the world’s multicultural landscape in order to make the arts come alive each day in Niagara.

We achieved this through:

PAC PRESENTS LIVE PERFORMANCE SERIES

The PAC’s annual multidisciplinary presentation series, late September-May. (See page 14 for more.)

THE FILM HOUSE

An indie film house that offers unique films in a modern cinematic environment as well as a place for facilitated community discussions. (See page 15 for more.)

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

From our imPACt Education Series for Niagara students to community film screenings, movement workshops for older adults to free and engaging community events and partnerships, the PAC’s community programs provide diverse and accessible entry points for our community to engage, learn and experience the powerful role the arts play in our lives. (See pages 19-21 for more.)

PROGRAMMING AT THE PAC PAC PRESENTS LIVE PERFORMANCE SERIES

2023 saw a fulsome return of audiences to our PAC Presents Series with our first full year of programming since the pandemic. We welcomed our community to many sold-out performances and tracked a huge growth in attendance compared to 2022.

2023 performance highlights included music from Jann Arden, Big Wreck, The Irish Rovers, DakhaBrakha, Howard Jones, Kid Koala’s Satellite Turntable Orchestra, Jeremy Dutcher, Dan Mangan and Kim Mitchell, as well as incredible dance and circus from Ballet Edmonton and Afrique en Cirque, and fun family performances of The Ugly Duckling and Chris Funk – The Wonderist, to name a few.

64

678 PAC Presents members

26,428 attendees

62% PAC presentations increase in attendance to PAC performances from 2022

PROGRAMMING AT THE PAC THE FILM HOUSE

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is the proud home to The Film House, an indie film house located on the lower floor of the Centre that offers unique films in a modern cinematic environment.

The Film House offers a wide program of new and award-winning feature films, documentaries, classic cinema and family titles each week as well as special events, panels and community gatherings.

470

513 Film House members

17,899 attendees

70% film screenings increase in attendance to Film House screenings from 2022

PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT

PHOTO: MARC DELLEDONNE

PHOTO: DAN BROWN

PHOTO: DAN BROWN

PHOTO: GIANT SHOE CREATIVE

PHOTO: MARC DELLEDONNE

PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT

PHOTO: LAUREN GARBUTT

PAC PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS

FOR YOUTH

The PAC is the place for Niagara’s youth to participate in exceptional arts experiences. We strive to be a place of discovery and continue to build programs and partnerships that enable barrier-free access for youth to make the PAC their home for arts learning programs.

imPACt EDUCATION SERIES

The PAC proudly offers a diverse arts program that brings learning to life on our stages and spaces and complements Ontario’s curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12. The imPACt Education Series includes diverse high quality dance, music, theatre and circus programming from Canadian and international artists that will actively engage students’ curiosity and interests, inspire and educate, while providing them with a sense of wellbeing and belonging.

The PAC has an annual commitment to provide learners across Niagara with high quality live performances. These performances are offered during daytime hours with a guaranteed low-ticket price of $10. We recognize that even the guaranteed low-ticket price may be out of reach for many in the Niagara region. Thanks to the generous support of community members, the imPACt Access Dollars program ensures that all learners can attend an imPACt Education Series performance or event, free from financial barriers.

5,000+ learners and teachers attended

11 performances and events

$15,000+ in ticket subsidies provided to Niagara students to attend

YOUTH FILM CLUB

In 2023, we launched the Youth Film Club for high school aged cinephiles. The program was enthusiastically received in its inaugural year and our first 15 students learned and applied new skills in film curation, marketing and special event planning.

FAMILY DAY

We know that families come in all shapes and sizes and the PAC is proud to be a home-away-from-home for all, with a full suite of free and ticketed programs for the community to enjoy. Our 2023 Family Day program saw over 2,000 attendees!

YELLOW DOOR THEATRE PROJECT SUMMER CAMP AT THE PAC

P P A C PAC PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR YOUTH

The PAC was proud to partner with the dynamic team at YDTP to bring their two-week Summer Program to the PAC where participants experienced music, dance and stage training, and rehearsed and presented two performances of the musical Mary Poppins Jr!

INTERNSHIPS AND STUDENT PLACEMENTS

We welcome student placements from the secondary and post-secondary programs.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AT THE PAC

The PAC was created out of a collective community vision, and we remain committed to providing barrier-free, arts-based programs and experiences for the beloved community we serve. The arts at their core promote empathy and community cohesion and we are passionate about providing equitable access for all community members to engage with our programming.

Here are highlights from a few of our 2023 community programs:

SHARING DANCE

OLDER ADULTS

A co-presentation with Canada’s National Ballet School and Baycrest Health Sciences

This accessible dance program aims to support overall physical, emotional and social wellbeing through dance engagement as well as build and develop skill and confidence in dance movement for older adults with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities.

47 attendees for the spring and fall programs

COMMUNITY FILM SCREENINGS

Each month, The Film House is committed to partnering with local community groups to provide free, pay-what-you-can community screenings that often include a panel discussion, speakers, special guests, exclusive virtual Q+As and more.

10 film screenings

1,121 attendees

FRESH AIR FLICKS

Friday nights in the summer drew families and friends of all ages to our downtown core for free outdoor films including ‘classics’ like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Best in Show.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AT THE PAC

LAUNCH OF THE CANOO PROGRAM + HOLIDAY NEWCOMER MARKET

28 NOV 2023

In November of 2023 the PAC and the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre presented a Holiday Newcomer Market and launched the Canoo program in Niagara – a national ticket access program to support our Newcomer community, along with 15 other local arts organizations: Bravo Niagara!, Carousel Players, Chorus Niagara, Femmes du Feu Creations, The Foster Festival, Gallery Players, Niagara Artists Centre, Niagara Symphony Orchestra, Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts Dramatic Arts and Music programs, Momentum Choir, Niagara Jazz Festival, SOFIFRAN, Stolen Theatre and Suitcase in Point.

“Canada’s prosperity depends on newcomers not only arriving, but staying and thriving so they decide to become proud citizens. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and Niagara’s arts community partners are providing this vital service for immigrants and for Canada over the long term.”

— Roberto Alvarez, Director of Partnerships of Canoo 125 Canoo tickets issued in Nov-Dec 2023

CELEBRATION OF NATIONS

GATHERING OF INDIGENOUS ARTS, CULTURE AND TRADITION

8-10 SEPT 2023

Artistic Director Michele-Elise Burnett (Métis with Algonquin roots, Bear Clan) and Artistic Producer Tim Johnson (Mohawk).

The 2023 Indigenous arts gathering celebrated creativity, diversity and resilience and drew nearly 2,000 people to downtown St. Catharines to engage in the weekend programs.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING PARTNERS

Department of Geography & Tourism Studies

Department of Medieval & Renaissance Studies

Hadiyadagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre

Human Rights & Equity Office Faculty of Math and Science

Dance and Movement Days – Skye Rogers

ROBUST AND DIVERSE RENTAL PROGRAM

At the PAC, we take our rental business seriously. It is not just diverse; it is a vibrant tapestry of cultural, artistic and community engagement. We take pride in hosting a wide array of clients representing various sectors and interests, each contributing to the rich fabric of activities.

Our clients represent a broad spectrum, reflecting the diverse needs and interests of our community. From our treasured symphony to community theatre, we provide a platform for artistic expression and local creativity. Talented performers and creators find a home for their passion projects, performances and exhibitions. Official events and ceremonies find a dignified space within our venues, fostering civic engagement and community pride, while grassroots organizations and local associations gather to amplify their voices and initiatives, strengthening the bonds of our local community. We proudly see dynamic events and entertainment productions brought to life with experienced promoters offering unforgettable experiences

to our patrons, and we share in the excitement of students at all levels here for graduations, productions, and arts initiatives, nurturing the next generation of talent and creativity.

Beyond the artistic and cultural enrichment, our venue’s activities serve as a catalyst for economic recovery and sustainability. By attracting visitors and patrons, our bustling venues inject vitality into the downtown core, stimulating local businesses and revitalizing the urban landscape. Events such as dance competitions draw participants and spectators from afar, fostering tourism and generating revenue through overnight stays, dining and retail activities. Our robust rental program is a testament to the value proposition of the PAC, evidenced by the support from our patrons. 229 rental event days representing

RENTAL PROGRAM PARTNERS

Broadway Lights Dance Studio

Creative Power Entertainment

Dance FX Studio

Ed Lister Music

Elisa Toner & Connor Murphy

Greg Rodman

IndoorShoes

Ineke Brinkman

John Golub

Johnny Showtime Ltd.

Khang Pham

Kira Braun and Choralis Camerata

Laurie Ewart’s Danceworks

Monisha Jhirad

Musical Event Solutions

Niagara Ballet School

Region 16 Sweet Adelines

Shantero

SHOCK Dance Challenge

Stage Academy Theatre Association

Steve Marshall

The SLF Limited

The Tribute Specialist’s

Tommy Youngsteen Band

Toronto All Star Big Band

Vaughn Co

We Walk The Line Productions

FUND DEVELOPMENT

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre was built for everyone in the Niagara region. At the PAC, we strive to ensure that prices remain affordable, and that programming is interesting, relevant, inspiring, educational and…entertaining!

In order to foster a sense of value, belonging, and social cohesion in our community, it is important that the PAC offers arts programming that is accessible to people of all ages, identities and backgrounds – but we can’t do it alone.

In 2023, our incredible, generous patrons donated $82,988 to help us to fulfill these goals. THANK YOU for your continued support!

Your support is essential to all that we do. In 2023, your gifts helped us to provide important community programming:

imPACt Education Series

Every child deserves to be inspired

Youth Film Club

Proudly supporting our next generation of film programmers

Community Film Screenings

Starting the conversation through film

Fresh Air Flicks

Free fun films for all

Celebration of Nations

Strengthening our communities

Sharing Dance Older Adults

Never too old to dance

Family Day

Celebrating all the different and wonderful families in Niagara

Canoo Program for Newcomers

Feeling welcomed and connected to a new community

Not only was this a night to remember, but the East Coast Kitchen Party raised an additional $100,000 to support our many essential community programs.

EAST COAST KITCHEN PARTY FUNDRAISER

We brought a little bit of Nova Scotia to the PAC for our second annual fundraiser, welcoming 200 friends to enjoy an evening of traditional East Coast music with special guest Ashley MacIsaac, fabulous food, dancing, auctions and just a whole lot of fun!

At the 2023 East Coast Kitchen Party we honoured Nancy Court for graciously endowing the PAC with our first ever legacy gift. We are forever grateful for Nancy and her family for believing in our community and supporting the work we do here at the PAC.

SAVE THE DATE! SAT 26 OCT 2024 is our next East Coast Kitchen Party – PEI style!

FOUNDING PARTNER CITY OF ST. CATHARINES

The City of St. Catharines co-founded the PAC through the vision and stewardship of a Mayor and City Council who understood the transformational role a performing arts centre would play in the revitalization of downtown St. Catharines. The City opened our building in November 2015 and, in 2018 St. Catharines City Council approved a plan to transition the operational control of the PAC to a Municipal Service Board. In January 2020, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Board officially undertook their role. While the City of St. Catharines owns the facility and covers basic operating costs, our Board of Directors is responsible for stewarding our beautiful arts hub and running the business of the PAC. We remain grateful for our ongoing partnership with the City of St. Catharines.

2023 PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

$61,368

PAC Contribution toward the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP)

Each year, the PAC commits one third of the CCIF (Community Cultural Investment Fund) fee collected from all patrons during their ticket purchase to directly fund the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP), an integral granting program that supports the work of St. Catharines based arts and culture organizations and individuals.

Let It Glow FREE Film Week

JAN 2023

A week of family-friendly free films at The Film House kicked off 2023 and welcomed over 1,400 community members for shared film experiences.

Indigenous Peoples Day 21 JUNE 2023

Presented in partnership with the Niagara Regional Native Centre, the City of St. Catharines and the PAC, this free community program at the PAC featured an Indigenous Arts Market, and a Q&A and performance from JUNO Award winning Indigenous group Snotty Nose Rez Kids, with special community artists.

Home of the St. Catharines Arts Awards

The PAC is proud to be the home of the annual St. Catharines Arts Awards. Produced by the City of St. Catharines, this is an annual celebration of local artists, residents, businesses, and organizations nominated in the following categories: the Arts in Education Award, the Emerging Artist Award, the Established Artist Award, the Making a Difference Award, and the Patron of the Arts Award.

FOUNDING PARTNER BROCK UNIVERSITY

The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) students and faculty consider the PAC an extended campus, utilizing The Recital Hall for performance teaching and public recitals, Partridge Hall for special events and The Film House to serve as an additional lecture space. The MIWSFPA also has a long-time programmatic relationship with the PAC in connecting the Niagara community with faculty, staff and students.

New in 2023, the PAC continued to extend its partnership with other departments at Brock to present special lectures and film screenings that shone a light on the various departments at the university and connected their work to community thought the lens of the arts.

2023 PARNTERSHIPS HIGHLIGHTS

Brock University Department of Music Performances and free Music at Noon community concerts at the PAC

The Film House

The Film House continued its strong partnership with Brock University by screening monthly films and hosting panels and discussions. Partnership screenings highlights include: Brock University Film Society (BUFS); Essential Cinema series, curated by Brock Film students; BrockTV Render This Film Festival; the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement and the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations Métis and Inuit Student Centre for a special screening of The Nature of Healing.

Dr. Susan Rogers –The Music of Listening 24 OCT 2023

In this special co-presentation, Dr. Susan Rogers, accomplished sound engineer (Prince), record producer (Barenaked Ladies) and professor of music production and engineering (McGill, Berklee), joined us on 24 Oct 2023 to share insights on the art of music making and listening. The evening was presented in partnership with Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts’ Walker Cultural Leaders Series and the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University.

At the heart of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre lies a vibrant community of dedicated volunteers, whose passion and commitment enrich every patron’s visit. From warmly welcoming guests as greeters to guiding patrons as ushers, to taking beautiful pictures of artists and community events, our volunteers play pivotal roles in creating unforgettable experiences. They embody our values as ambassadors, ensuring each interaction is marked by warmth and hospitality.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM THANK YOU PAC VOLUNTEERS

current as of MAY 2024

Edith Bacon

Jenn Bandi

John Bordowitz

Gale Briggs

Victor Brodeur

Frances Bunting

Kristine Casement

Cheryl Caverly

Bill Chapman

Monique Charlebois

Dennis Cheredar

Laurie Cheredar

Patt Chivers

Theresa Chubak

Gary Clement

Carol Clifford

Linda Cranford

Maureen Cripps

Anita Curran

Margaret Davison

Bonnie Dearborn

Judy Dennis

77volunteers

7,890 49% hours contributed increase to our volunteer pool in 2023

Wanda Derda

Joy DiSimoni

Jane Donegan

Sue Dryczewycz

Rita Eastman

Alec Edmondstone

Guida Feliz

Kevin Ferguson

Lyn Fox

Karla Gilmore

Lynda Greer

Jane Hanna

Rosalyn Hatch

Marni Hogg

Ginette Hunter

Patricia Johnston

Richard Kent

Coby Koene

Zandy Kusyj

Jocelyn Laing

Alan Lau

Trish Loat

Rob Loiselle

Kathy Lyon

Cynthia Martin

Fay Terese Mattus

John Meguerian

Sharon Meguerian

Chereen Osborne

Terry Parker

Vartkes Peltekoglu

Pearl Peritalo

Sharon Ridings

Melodie Robinson

Beverly Russell

Helen Self

Aber Shaygan

Jack Sheehan

Teresa Slobodian

Joanne Spence

Sharon St. Pierre

Tina Summerskill

Wendy Szymski

Liz Taylor

Robert Trask

Tess Trojan

Diane Turner

Mark Turner

Annette Urlocker

Carol Valente

Cathy Van Oosten

Colleen Vrhovsek

Linda Warrell

Pattie Webb

VOLUNTEER

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dan Brown

Marc Delledonne

Marino Favretto

Jeff Friesen

Lauren Garbutt

Stuart Hendrie

Joel Naphin

THANK YOU PAC TEAM

Colleen A. Smith Chief Executive Officer

Jules Bartley Executive Assistant and Secretary to the Board

Diana McAdorey Interim Development Officer

Sara Palmieri Director of Programming and Marketing

Helen Lefler Marketing and Communications Manager

Andrea Boitor Business and Partnership Associate

Jordy Yack Communications Coordinator

Annie Wilson Programming Manager

Cathy Carr Film Program Coordinator

Diana Moser Programming Associate

Kathleen Ross Director of Operations

Paul Buxton Facilities Manager

Garrett Mitchell Facilities Coordinator

Chace King Cleaner/Porter Lead

Robert Nicholls Production Manager

Russell Donohue Production Supervisor

Dean Malton Production Supervisor

Ryan Mounsey Production Supervisor

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre proudly works with IATSE LOCAL 461

as of MAY 2024

Ernest Harris Film Technician

Jennifer Hunt Client and Events Manager

Jennie DiMarco Events and Hospitality Coordinator

Angela Greer Events and Hospitality Coordinator

Rosemarie Huber Events and Hospitality Coordinator

Thelma Forrester Volunteer Coordinator / Front of House Lead

Kestra Harris Food and Beverage Coordinator

Cindy Alvarez Front of House Lead

Krysta Boyer Front of House Lead

Judy Dennis Front of House Lead

Sean McClelland Front of House Lead

Donna Pollard Front of House Lead

Jurgen Sosa Front of House Lead

Jay Forrester Bar Lead

Carlos Robayo Director of Finance and Administration

Kyle Giesbrecht Finance and Accounting Supervisor

Leona McDonald Finance and Administrative Associate

Maria Irigoyen Finance and Administrative Associate

Chelsea Marcella HR and Payroll Coordinator

Robert Harte Ticketing Services Manager

Darren Clarke Ticketing Services Lead

Jailla Stuart Ticketing Services Lead

THANK YOU BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mario De Divitiis Board Chair

Peter Partridge Interim Vice-Chair

Christina Atkinson Human Resources Committee Chair

Shelley Chemnitz Governance & Nominations Committee Chair

Wendy Dueck Fund Development Committee Chair

Mark Steinman Finance & Audit Committee Chair

Gary Comerford Citizen Member

Eileen Martin Citizen Member

Dimple Sharma Citizen Member

Lloyd Smith Citizen Member

Christopher Yendt Citizen Member

Councillor Carlos Garcia City of St. Catharines

Councillor Robin McPherson City of St. Catharines

Carol U. Merriam Brock University Representative

Lesley Rigg Brock University Representative

Kristine Douglas* Director of Financial Management Services

and City Treasurer - City of St. Catharines

David Oakes* Chief Administrative Officer - City of St. Catharines

Tom Irvine* FirstOntario Credit Union Representative

Colleen A. Smith* CEO, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

*Non-Voting Member

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre proudly works with IATSE Local 461.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

2023 PAC PRESENTS SEASON SPONSORS

HUMAN

2023 FILM HOUSE SPONSORS

HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISORY

2023 WINE AND BEER SPONSORS

2023 EAST COAST KITCHEN PARTY SPONSORS

HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISORY

2023 CELEBRATION OF NATIONS SPONSORS

Friends of Celebration of Nations Edith Bacon & Ian MacMillan, George Darte, Janet Fraser, KPMG LLP, Niagara Catholic District School Board

THANK YOU

CAPITAL DONORS

FirstOntario Credit Union

Peter and Janet Partridge

Joe and Anita Robertson

Algoma Central Corporation

Cogeco

John and June Mann

John and Harriet Lehnen

Joy Williams

RBC Foundation

Marian Gordon-Kendall

The John Muratori Family

Ineke Brinkman

Art and Val Fleming

Virginia Atkin and Keith Ambachtsheer

Wynne Nicholson

Christopher J. Slater (in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Slater)

THANK YOU PUBLIC FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS

We would like to acknowledge the City of St. Catharines Mayor, City Council and staff and Brock University’s President, faculty and staff.

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

The PAC finance and administration team is responsible for preparing the annual budget and business plan, financial statements and quarterly financial reforecasts through the Board’s Finance and Audit Committee. The PAC’s annual operating and capital budgets are submitted by the Board to St. Catharines City Council for approval.

The financial statements of the Board have been prepared in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards for government not-for-profit organizations and are audited by KPMG. The following section illustrates our sources of income and areas of expenditure as per the PAC’s 2023 financial statements:

An excess of revenues over expenses of $3,928 will be allocated to the PAC’s sustainability reserve for the 2023 fiscal year.

Increased activity levels through the establishment and execution of robust community and artistic programming, as well as fulsome approach to supporting local and national talent and arts organizations have contributed to an increase in earned and fund development revenues in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Revenues of $184,158 from the Cultural Capital Investment Fee will fund equally the PAC’s Capital and Equipment Reserves, and the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program.

statement of FINANCIAL POSITION

as at December 31, 2023, with comparative information for 2022

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

statement of OPERATIONS

year ended December 31, 2023, with comparative information for 2022