January 31, 2013
Congratulations to our member, Debbie Slade, Centre for the Arts at Brock University, who received the Presenter of the Year Award at CAPACOA 2013 conference!
Under Debbie’s leadership, what was once Brock Centre for the Arts, a university drama department venue, has become the Centre for the Arts at Brock University, dedicated not just to promoting and providing rich cultural and artistic experiences for the university students, but for the broader St. Catharines community. From the 12 shows the centre was presenting in 1987, it is now putting on more than 70 shows a year.
For Debbie, the challenge has been to keep the program fresh, to educate and broaden its scope, to encourage and promote new and emerging artists and to provide audiences with new kinds of experiences and exposure.
Today, there are programs for elementary and high schools, a core program that is different and unique every year, with more dance and unique groups. To date, the Centre for the Arts has presented more than 1,000 artists and entertained almost two million people.
Debbie has been recognized for her contribution to the arts in many ways. She was elected national president of the Canadian Arts Presenting Association, received a YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Arts and Culture and was nominated for three Canadian Music Week awards.
“The work of presenters, agents and touring artists – ensuring access to the live performing arts for all Canadians, is a key component of societal well-being. It is with a deep sense of honour that we celebrate this year’s CAPACOA award recipients and their impact on our communities.”
Erin Benjamin, Executive Director – CAPACOA
To learn about all award recepients visit CAPACOA website.