Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has completed a major technology renewal in the Fine Arts & Multimedia Centre following a $125,000 investment from the Government of Alberta through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP).
The funding supported the replacement of the aging sound and light technology used throughout the theatre, helping ensure the facility can continue serving students, schools, performers, community organizations and audiences from across the region.
The Fine Arts & Multimedia Centre opened in 2009 as part of the Community Learning Campus, a joint venture between Olds College and Chinook’s Edge School Division. The facility is used by Olds College, Olds High School, other Chinook’s Edge schools and several local community groups. Events hosted in the theatre include theatrical performances, musical performances, concerts, awards nights, seminars, dance recitals, film screenings and conferences.
The technology renewal addressed equipment that had reached the end of its useful life. Prior to the project, staff were piecing together solutions to keep existing systems operational. The project included upgrades to equipment supporting projection, video, displays, cameras, microphones, intercom, mixing, monitoring, sound, AV networking and lighting.
Community Learning Campus Facility Manager Connie Conley played a key role in spearheading the initiative, serving as the primary contact throughout the CFEP application process. Conley helped identify the need for renewed theatre technology while supporting the grant application that helped move the project to completion.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of a project that will have such a lasting impact on our community,” says Conley. “The Fine Arts & Multimedia Centre is an important shared space for Olds College, Chinook’s Edge School Division and the Community Learning Campus. These upgrades will enhance the experience for students, educators, performers and audience for years to come. I feel very fortunate to have played a part in bringing this project to life, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”
At the time of the 2024 CFEP grant application, usage data showed more than 14,000 external visitors accessed the Fine Arts & Multimedia Centre during the 2022–23 year, in addition to thousands of Olds College and Chinook’s Edge students. During the same period, community use included nine concerts, 19 days of dance recitals, six days of dance rehearsals, one film and five additional community events. The theatre’s impact extends beyond its educational use, providing a performance space for artists and community groups throughout the region.
Don Jorgensen, Stage Manager of the theatre and a performer with ties to Chinook’s Edge School Division, brings a firsthand perspective on the important role the theatre plays in supporting local arts and live performances.
“Having spent much of my career in Canadian country music as a musician, songwriter and producer, I know how important reliable sound, lighting and production equipment is to a successful performance,” says Jorgensen,. “These upgrades will make a real difference for the artists who take the stage, the crews working behind the scenes and the audiences who come to enjoy a show. Having access to this level of technology in our own community is something we can all be proud of.”
Without external funding, the renewal project would have taken several years to raise funds. The provincial investment enabled the project to move forward while supporting the continued use of the theatre as a regional space for community connection, education, arts and culture.
“Olds College recognizes how important it is for the local community to have facilities like the theatre in the community,” says Peter Mal, Vice President, Growth & Operations, Olds College. “This investment ensures the Fine Arts Centre Theatre has the technology needed to continue supporting students, performers, educators and local organizations for years to come. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for its support and to our partners at the Community Learning Campus for helping make this renewal possible. It is an investment not only in a building, but in the people and communities who use it.”
The renewed theatre technology will officially be put into use on Nov. 4 during an Olds Kiwanis Performing Arts Society presentation featuring Munro & Patrick. Special remarks from Peter Mal, Vice President, Growth & Operations at Olds College, and Brent Williams, Vice Chair of the Olds Kiwanis Performing Arts Society and Chief Administrative Officer with the Town of Olds, will take place prior to the concert. The event will offer an intimate evening of original songs and soulful covers, with recognition of the CFEP investment that helped make the theatre technology renewal possible. For more information about the upcoming performance, visit kiwanisconcerts.ca.