A triad of arts organizations will be joining forces to throw an event that promises to be a yearly highlight in the local arts calendar.
The Community Arts Council of Prince George & District, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra and Theatre NorthWest announced on Tuesday the creation of a new, annual fundraising event, the Mayor’s Black & White Ball for the Arts.
The formal ball, which will take place May 26 at the Coast Inn of the North, will be a fundraiser for local arts organizations. Proceeds will fund the establishment of a new community arts grant. The event will be hosted by Mayor Lyn Hall and will include dinner, dancing and entertainment from both the performing and visual arts worlds. Live and silent auctions will round out the evening.
Theatre NorthWest general manager Marnie Hamagami said the event was an opportunity for the three local arts titans to undertake a common project.
"The idea was inspired by a couple of different things. One of the things we get a lot of requests for from the arts community is a ball," she said. "There's a lot of great fundraising events that happen in Prince George but there isn't actually another formal ball."
Selen Alpay, owner of the Canadian Tire store, has already stepped forward as a key sponsor; Alpay announced on Tuesday that Canadian Tire would offer a $10,000 financial contribution for the event.
“Every day and in all parts of the community we see the benefits of having professional arts organizations” Alpay said.
“I know that having a thriving arts sector is of value to people from all walks of life, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to show our store’s support for the good work they do.”
“The arts community is what makes Prince George a great, livable city,” said Mayor Lyn Hall.
“The arts have added to the diversity of our city and are one of the many attributes that make this community an attractive place to live. Over the years, our local arts organizations have contributed greatly to the cultural fabric of Prince George. The Black and White Ball is a celebration of the many contributions they have made, and it is a wonderful opportunity for residents to show their support.”
Tickets for the Mayor’s Black & White Ball for the Arts are now on sale and can be purchased at theatrenorthwest.com or by calling (250) 649-6477.
