New PAC executive: Arts are ‘critical’ to pandemic recovery
No shows booked. Months of cancellations. The arts basically shut down.
Welcome to FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Colleen Smith.
The St. Catharines arts facility has appointed Smith its new executive director during the worst crisis it or any other Niagara venue has faced.
Though she brings 12 years of leadership experience at Massey Hall, Theatre Calgary and Roy Thompson Hall, her new gig is already presenting her biggest challenge.
“The hiring committee were not naive to the uncertainty and challenges that lie ahead given this unprecedented time,” said PAC board chair Mario De Divitis. “We felt this difficult time only validated our decision to act decisively and courageously to bring another proven leader to the Niagara region.”
Smith replaces original executive director Steve Solski, who parted ways with the facility last year. Before she takes the reins May 4, she checked in with The Niagara Falls Review for some Q&A.
Review: You won’t have much time to get comfortable
— you’re joining PAC in the midst of a crisis. How difficult is it to start a job in these conditions?
Smith: “When one starts a new job, often feelings of excitement and trepidation are present. Beginning my new leadership role at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre will be no different than past experiences, only perhaps more highly amplified. We are absolutely in unchartered waters in terms of what the future holds but I am buoyed by the strength of the FirstOntario PAC team, the board, the community that built this gorgeous building and the artists and arts organizations that are our partners.
“Managing a crisis requires a clear head, a strong focus, fortitude and the ability to see through to the other side. I am prepared to give my all to this wonderful organization the second I begin my tenure, crisis or no crisis. “
Review: Once things get relatively back to normal, what do you envision for PAC? More shows? Different kinds?
Smith: “The FirstOntario PAC has had an incredibly rich diversity of programming over the years and the programming team should be commended for their excellent work and creativity. Our current pandemic is creating new ways of experiencing, watching and engaging with music and art which will forever alter our future experiences.
“The beautiful thing about working in the arts is that you are surrounded by the most creative of people. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to working with the FirstOntario PAC team and our arts partners in collectively designing programs, events and performances that draw from our past practices yet lean toward new models.
“Digital streaming, video and online content is more important than ever, and I anticipate that our future practices will integrate digital tools more prominently into our work, while still providing for live experiences.”
Review: How do you think the arts in general in Niagara will fare after this pandemic is over?
Smith: “If you look at what is getting us through the dark moments in our lives right now it is music, art, prose, fiction, dance and film. The arts are essential to our health and well-being and will be a critical component to societal recovery.
“That being said, artists, arts workers and arts organization are suffering as they face a loss of work and loss of income. What I know is that the greater Niagara area is ripe with talent and it is these artists who will be the first to step up to the plate and help us return to the new normal. Our communities will be struggling and there is no doubt that we will need government and public support over the short term and the long term.
“If we work together and support one another the arts in Niagara will absolutely survive, and I, along with the board and the team at the FirstOntario PAC will proudly lead the way.”