Kay Meek Arts Centre
Kay Meek Arts Centre creates a home for great arts experiences, gathering its community in an inspiring and inclusive environment, and providing access to cultural expression in its many forms.
Born in England, Kay Meek spent most of her life in West Vancouver. A long-time supporter of Lower Mainland arts organizations, Meek had a goal to see a performing arts centre built in the community she loved. After close to 40 years of championing this cause, and a significant gift that allowed it to be built, the Kay Meek Arts Centre opened its doors in 2004.
In 1998, a trust was established and funded by Meek with an initial donation of $1 million to search for a possible location. Things began to move ahead in 2000 when the West Vancouver School District proposed that the new arts centre be built beside West Vancouver Secondary School. In 2002, a Joint Use Agreement was signed between the West Vancouver School District and the West Vancouver Arts Centre Trust, which oversees the Centre’s operations.
Backed by another significant contribution from Kay Meek, construction commenced. During this planning and building process, Meek often commented that the construction of the theatre was what kept her going. Kay Meek died November 6, 2004, shortly after the Centre that now bears her name opened. She was 98.
Every season, the Kay Meek Arts Centre presents world-class artists on both stages, in performances ranging from classical concerts and world music to jazz and blues, theatre, and more. The Centre is also a vital resource for other professional artists, community groups, and the West Vancouver school district, whose access to the venue allows them to present their own work to a diverse audience.
In 2017, the organization launched a $4 million capital campaign that allowed the organization to undergo major accessibility upgrades ensuring the venue is accessible to all for years to come. The upgrades centred around the installation of a much-needed commercial elevator that now provides access to all three levels of the building. Other upgrades to the facility included: state-of-the-art sound and lighting technologies, a purpose-built dance studio, and new seating in the McEwen Theatre.
