Victoria Event Centre closing at the end of the month

As most news surprises seem to, this one came blaring out of social media: “We’re incredibly sad to inform you all that after 20 years in operation we will be closing our doors on Oct. 27,” reads a post from the Victoria Event Centre's (VEC) Facebook page.

“We have learned that our lease is being terminated, and new operators will be taking over the space for Nov. 1st.”

It hasn’t been made public who those new operators are and whether they will continue to use the building to showcase entertainment and musical acts.

“Like many arts venues in Victoria, we have been struggling post-pandemic, and although we’ve had positive signs of getting fully back on track, thanks in large part to support from the City of Victoria and other partners, we just could not weather a substantial rent increase as the owners were no longer able to partially subsidize the space,” the posting said.

"As I understand it, it’s a contractual lease issue between the landlord and the tenant," Coun. Chris Coleman tells Capital Daily.

‍ Building has been for sale

The building at 1415 Broad, just across the street from the cream-coloured CTV-CFAX building, and includes Coastline Surf & Sport, has been listed for sale for at least three months.

“We’re not alone in this,” the non-profit’s Facebook post continues. “Community-driven arts and cultural spaces are being shut down or priced out in cities across the country. We are taking some time to review our next steps.”

The VEC thanks artists who have performed there and then offers a slightly hopeful outcome when the post says: “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate this next phase.”

What that next phase entails and whether it involves an ability to continue to draw bands and performers, is not clear.

'Major loss' and 'devastating blow' to city, says councillor

"Losing an inclusive and accessible venue like the Victoria Event Centre is a major loss for Victoria,” Coun. Matt Dell tells Capital Daily. “The VEC hosted a very wide range of events, and was a second home for many people.”

Thousands have flocked to the VEC to experience electronic and punk concerts as well as comedy, drag, burlesque, and shows of other genres.

“I’ve been working with [the] VEC for months, trying to find a solution, and even brought a motion to give them $20K in ongoing operating funding, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their challenges,” said Dell, who went on to call the venue’s loss “devastating” to the city and its arts community.

The VEC announcement shows the difficulty in operating an arts environment in today's economy “and highlights why local governments need to take a more active role in supporting arts and culture," Dell said.

“Unfortunately, the operators of [the] VEC have faced the same rising costs and post-pandemic operating challenges as every other venue,” Coun. Jeremy Caradonna tells Capital Daily.

Several mid-sized arts venues in the CRD have shuttered recently including the Carlton Club last year, and Logan’s Pub in 2021. The industry is rife with books still unbalanced because of COVID.

In 2020, the CRD surveyed 166 artists and producers, and nearly 70% said they rarely were able to find an affordable space to rehearse or perform.

The city has stepped in before

Earlier this year, the city bought Hermann’s Jazz Club on View, and Dell said the VEC news “is a sign that we should explore acquiring more arts/music venues.”

The council “discussed buying the building,” Caradonna wrote in a text to Capital Daily.

“We can’t save every venue in the city. For the time being, we’re focused on reopening Hermann’s Upstairs, and we are in talks with the new operator at 716 Johnson about potential grant support,” he said. That address on Johnson belongs to a former grocery store that may be converted into a new performing arts hub, providing performance and rehearsal space for artists and arts organizations. Council is still deliberating whether to support a grant application, Caradonna tells Capital Daily.

“They have a problem that someone has taken back their offer of significant financial contribution but that’s not really the problem for our taxpayers," Coun. Marg Gardiner told the Times Colonist.

“We are deeply committed to supporting arts and culture in this city, but we know the loss of the VEC will sting,” Caradonna said.

“I’m hopeful the VEC Board will continue seeking options to open another location,” Dell said. “My heart goes out to all the artists, promoters, and people that felt at home in this space.”

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Please note correction: The city is still deliberating grant support for a proposed arts hub at 716 Johnson.