User:Kaymeekcentre

Kay Meek Centre is a performing arts centre located in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

== The Centre ==

Kay Meek Centre has two theatres, The Main Theatre which is a traditional proscenium arch theatre that seats up to 500 and the Studio Theatre, sometimes referred to as a black box theatre, which offers adjustable seating up to a maximum of 216. These theatres are designed to operate simultaneously and independently with their own lobby spaces.

As a rental and presenting venue, Kay Meek Centre offers a range of activities that serves patrons from West Vancouver, and across the North Shore and Lower Mainland.

Kay Meek Centre events focus on theatre, music, dance and film.

== History ==

Mrs. Kay Meek was born in England but spent most of her life in West Vancouver. A long time supporter of Lower Mainland arts organizations, Kay had a goal to see a learning-based, performing arts centre built in her own community.

In 1998, a trust was established and funded by Kay Meek with an initial donation of $1 million to search for a possible location. In 2000 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 generous contribution from Kay Meek, construction on commenced. Kay Meek died November 6th, 2004 the day of the first public performance at the Centre that now bears her name. She was 98. The centre was designed by Richard Iredale of Iredale and Associates.