The curtain is rising on a new era at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. Gordon Grant will assume duties as artistic and managing director Jan. 15. “It’s a beautiful 
facility,” said Grant, who has been general manager of the North Peace Cultural Centre in Fort St. John for the last 11 years. Grant says his first task is to become familiar with Vernon and no major changes are planned. “It’s a well run facility with great people in there.” The position became available when Michael Cade left for a similar job in Chilliwack last fall. Cade had been with the facility since its inception in 2001. The centre’s board is looking forward to its new relationship with Grant. “He has the qualifications we need,” said Sigrid-Ann Thors, president. “He has experience, background and ideas that will continue to move us in a positive direction.”
Besides management, Grant has been involved in all aspects of music and the arts, including bands, technical work and directing. There were 40 applications for managing director and Grant was among four individuals short listed. “We had interest from across Canada and the U.S., and even one from England,” said Thors, adding that considerable time was taken to ensure that the needs of the centre and the community were met. Grant and his wife have visited the North Okanagan before and that was a primary reason for him pursuing the job. “Vernon is where we’ve wanted to be. When the position came up, it was an opportunity that was hard to pass up,” he said.
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