Proposed Changes to Keyano Theatre Spark Community Outcry

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — Keyano College is planning to repurpose parts of its Theatre and Arts Centre. The move has drawn swift backlash from the local arts community, which fears the changes could undermine the region’s creative ecosystem.

News of the plans to convert some of the arts centre’s rehearsal spaces, offices, and studios into classrooms surfaced on social media after Generation Dance Productions posted that they would lose their rented space at the college beginning next year. The dance company shared schematics of the proposed changes, which show the footprint of Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre being substantially reduced.

While Keyano issued a statement late yesterday affirming its commitment to maintaining the Keyano Theatre and essential support areas such as dressing rooms and shop spaces, many in the arts community remain concerned about the potential loss of specialized facilities.

Hanna Fridhed-Campbell, a community organizer and artistic director with Swamp Rat Experience, has spearheaded a petition urging the college to preserve the arts centre in its entirety. She stresses the importance of maintaining studios and other specialized spaces, such as the costume and prop shops, calling them invaluable assets to Wood Buffalo’s artistic community.

“The loss of yet another arts space in a community already struggling with accessibility to creative spaces is heartbreaking,” said Fridhed-Campbell. “These studios and specialized arts spaces like the costume and prop shops are incredible and important assets, and they support not only Keyano Theatre but the arts community as a whole.”

Fridhed-Campbell also voiced concerns about the continued erosion of arts support in the community, particularly at Keyano College. She noted that the college no longer offers courses in the arts. “The college’s continued cuts to arts facilities and programs will have long-term, detrimental effects on the people and arts of this community,” said Fridhed-Campbell.

The Arts Council of Wood Buffalo has also weighed in, encouraging residents to voice their support for preserving the arts centre. Theatre Alberta has also expressed concern over the move, and says they are looking into the situation. As of today, the petition has garnered more than 1,000 signatures.