New Campaign Will Celebrate The Arts, Raise Funds For Repairs To Building’s Historic Facade.
Imperial Theatre has launched a new fundraising campaign before a large crowd from across the Greater Saint John Region who came out to join in the celebration of the arts community and offer their support to Imperial.
This widespread and diverse community support is why the campaign has been named “WE ARE *IT” with the *IT, of course, meaning Imperial Theatre. This recognizes that Imperial Theatre is much more than a beautiful venue; it’s a community.
“Imperial Theatre is a cultural driver that supports a wide range of local performers while also giving people in southwestern New Brunswick access to internationally renowned talent,” said Lisa Hrabluk, CEO of Wicked Ideas and co-chair of the fundraising campaign. “It’s really at the heart of what we all love so much about Saint John.”
Imperial Theatre, owned by the community through a not-for-profit organization, has set a target of raising $3 million over the next year to help maintain the much-loved building and restore its famous brick façade. These repairs, scheduled to begin in spring of 2016, will be conducted in accordance with the strict standards in place for a building that is listed on the National Historic Site Register.
“This is more than a fundraising effort. It’s really about celebrating the role of Imperial Theatre in our community. We need to recognize this institution and what it means to us all – from local singers, dancers and musicians to the international performers who come here because they know Imperial Theatre is someplace special,” said Wayne Chamberlain, co-chair of the campaign.