The Garrick Theatre is a multi-use, 200-seat theatre and conference space in Bonavista. This month they’re running screenings of new movies like Mission Impossible and Ant Man, in-between musical performances from Steve Maloney, Ron Hynes, and Brianna Gosse, for example.

It’s a beacon of arts and culture in beautiful Bonavista Bay, of benefit to artists and spectators alike, and the government has just given it $72,000 for structural improvements, increased sound proofing, upgrades to the meeting space upstairs, and the addition of storage space. Work is expected to be completed in the fall.

Glen Little, MHA for Bonavista South, says The Garrick has undergone a complete transformation since reopening in 2010. Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development adds that this money “will help make Bonavista a premier destination for tourists” and showcase our cultural heritage.

Ultimately, the money will help the functional longevity of the building, and help elevate visitor experience. Since 2008, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $600,000 to the Garrick Theatre. As the press release relays, “strong regional development is essential to maintain and increase the province’s population.”

A space like the Garrick Theatre is vital not just for Bonavista, but for providing a venue to performing artists touring the island, and visiting artists as well. Can you imagine what an amazing experience Bonavista would be for a touring Canadian musician or theatre troupe?

“This investment will improve the Garrick’s facilities, allowing it to become more of a multi-purpose venue,” says David Bradley, Chair of Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation, adding that there was, and is, significant demand for a multi-purpose venue in Bonavista.

“Increasingly the theatre hosts multiple events on the same day, and at the same time. It will now be better equipped for that purpose.”