Community members, local organizations and generous supporters are coming together to bring a long-held vision to life: a purpose-built community arts and culture centre for the West Shore.
The Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society is pleased to announce a $1,000 contribution from Elements Casino Victoria now owned by Snuneymuxw First Nation and Petroglyph Development Group, helping advance the Society’s work to build a vibrant, accessible third space where people of all ages can gather, connect, create and develop their creative skills.
Since November, 2025, the Society has raised more than $65,000, thanks to the tremendous support of its Gala, a generous contribution from the Victoria Foundation earlier this summer, and the ongoing generosity of local businesses, community members and supporters.
With this momentum, the Society is now able to take the next step: hiring an outreach coordinator to strengthen connections throughout the West Shore and help bring more arts and culture opportunities to local communities.
Over the coming year, the Society will support the upcoming View Royal’s Got Talent event on November 7, 2026, contribute to additional West Shore arts and culture initiatives, and begin developing events of its own that showcase and support local artists.
The Society has already enjoyed supporting local arts programming, including Heather Ferguson’s Jazz at Emporia Restaurant, and Rocking Summer on Station Avenue and looks forward to expanding its role as a champion for artists, performers and creators across the region.
Another exciting initiative on the horizon is the creation of a West Shore Arts & Culture Directory, available in both digital and print formats, to help residents discover local artists, organizations, events, classes and creative opportunities.
A Place to Gather, Create and Belong
The long-term vision is ambitious: a purpose-built facility featuring a theatre, black box theatre, rehearsal studio and maker space where people can develop creative skills and connect with one another for generations to come.
The Society believes the West Shore deserves a dedicated community space that is different from traditional institutional settings.
“We want to create a true third space for the West Shore — somewhere people can come together outside of home and work or school,” says Kathryn Pascuzzo, Vice President of the Society. “A place where children, parents, seniors, artists and community members can connect intergenerationally, learn new skills, share ideas and build a stronger sense of belonging.”
The success of community-focused creative spaces such as Make Space North Park demonstrates the demand for places where people can gather, learn and make things together. The Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society hopes to bring that same spirit of creativity and connection to the West Shore.
Be Part of Building for the Arts
The Society is inviting West Shore residents, businesses, artists and community supporters to become part of the vision.
Membership is just $20 annually, and supporters can also subscribe to the Society’s e-newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events, initiatives and progress toward a future community arts and culture centre.
Learn more and get involved:
building4thearts.com
In the photograph: Ryan Painter, Volunteer Advisory Committee Member to Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society, Catherine Chen, General Manager, Elements Casino Victoria, Tracey Benoit, Guest Relations Manager, Elements Casino Victoria, stands alongside Judith Cullinton, President of the Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society, and celebrating the casino’s $1,000 contribution to the Society.
