A Victoria-based theatre company made great strides toward creating a new performing arts hub downtown by securing significant funding. 

The project, spearheaded by , is set to be located at 716 Johnson St. Aiming to provide performance, rehearsal, and office spaces for local artists and arts organizations, this novel initiative also seeks to address the growing demand for affordable venues in the capital region.

鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty exciting news,鈥� said executive director Matthew Payne, after receiving the $400,000 investment from the .

The commitment comes at a crucial time since the theatre company has to raise $1.8 million after Kate Kempton, a social justice lawyer and primary investor, withdrew her initial loan from the project due to illness in June 2023.

Having already collected $550,000 鈥� thanks to a $300,000 anonymous donation with contributions from the province and the city - and securing this new funding, the project now needs to raise the remaining $850,000.

Though Payne emphasized that more work remains, he is hopeful that the City of Victoria will answer his call for additional funding. 

In late spring of this year, the company applied for a $250,000 Major Community Initiatives and Events Grant with the city. Their request was reviewed in August, but Victoria council referred it back to staff requesting additional details surrounding the project鈥檚 finances. 

The executive director welcomed the city鈥檚 careful approach, noting the verdict for the application comes down on Dec. 12. 

Although a significant amount of money still needs to be raised, Payne remains optimistic, citing strong support from both the community and local artists, who recognize the project's potential to benefit Victoria's struggling arts scene.

鈥淲e are at our strongest when we have secure spaces where artists can rehearse and perform high-quality works of art for people,鈥� he said.

Payne emphasized this multi-disciplinary art hub will have the power to retain emerging talents and foster a stronger arts scene.

鈥淚f we can catch those artists early in their careers and keep them here for a year or two 鈥� it鈥檚 going to do wonders,鈥� Payne said. 鈥淚鈥檓 confident it鈥檚 a game changer if we can make it happen."

As the project continues to gain steam, Payne invites the public and businesses to lend their support. For more information about the project or to donate, visit

- With files from Natasha Baldin