Archive
Garden/Gathering Space comes alive at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
April 11, 2024
For Immediate Release
New Westminster, BC – A new Garden/Gathering Space is taking root at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces.
The Garden / Gathering Space has been developed to support Indigenous cultural resurgence, storytelling frameworks and stories that guide and direct us from the land outward. These stories offer opportunities for connection and sharing universal wisdom to strengthen our futures together as a community.
The concepts for the project have been led by Ronnie Dean Harris, Massey Theatre’s Indigenous Cultural Developer. As the lead Artist/Researcher behind the project, he has been working closely with Jessica Schneider, Massey Theatre’s Executive Director, for several years to consider the project with other designers, community advisors and knowledge keepers.
“As our goals to create a framework for Urban Indigenous connections became grounded, we were able to secure grants from Heritage BC, Canadian Heritage and Vancouver Foundation to bring this project to life”, said Schneider.
PFS Studios was engaged to interpret Harris’ research in the landscape design and a design collective of artists with both familial and community-based connections to these lands, stories and languages was engaged in the project.
“The garden space is representative of the flow of the river and of the notion that the Transformers wrote their stories onto the land through these transformations”, said Harris. “The frame of the structure is a nod to the ancient framework of Coast Salish plank houses. This area of New Westminster does not sit on the north/south grid of the rest of the Lower Mainland but rather follows the bend in the river. So, the front of the garden faces the river and mountains and includes many native plant species, in an effort for the land to recognize itself.”
In addition to native plant species and greenery, the Garden/Gathering Space will include public art and Halkomelem language installations. A community event will be held in May to mark the opening of the space. As the space grows all are welcomed and encouraged to visit the landscape and installations. Future programming connected to and inspired by the space is in development, as well as day to day opportunities include that include chances to harvest berries, holding land-based ceremonies and more.
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Kaitlyn Cunningham (Kwikwetlem/Katzie)
Language Consultant
Ronnie Dean Harris (Kwikwetlem/Kwantlen)
Ronnie Dean Harris aka Ostwelve, is a Stō:lo/St’át’imc/N’laka’pamux artist based in New Westminster, B.C. Beginning in music, he has explored various mediums such as TV, film, visual + sound design along side various research subjects including history, cosmology, genealogy and Indigenous policy.
Ronnie’s design career started in high school doing designs for local skateboard companies moving into professional design for advertising, branding and media applications. Ronnie has also had the opportunity to install murals and other physical design elements in spaces around the Lower Mainland. As a designer, his focus is on traditional and contemporary Salish design form.
Ronnie is the current Indigenous Cultural Developer at Massey Theatre in New Westminster working on various cultural + social activations through research and programming. You can also hear Ronnie as the voice of Dad/Walter on the PBS/WGBH series Molly Of Denali and seen on various other TV + film projects.
Atheana Picha (Kwantlen)
Atheana Picha is a Salish artist from the Kwantlen First Nation, and her grandmother was from Tsartlip. Atheana was given the name Nash’mene’ta’naht by Gerry Oleman from the St’at’imc First Nation, which translates to “go-getter woman”. Born in Vancouver, she grew up and works out of Richmond, BC. She is an interdisciplinary artist, working mostly in two-dimensional media. Atheana has been doing two apprenticeships learning Salish wool weaving with Musqueam weaver Debra Sparrow since 2019, and learning silver engraving, wood carving, and tool making with Squamish artist and educator Aaron Nelson-Moody since 2018. Atheana’s practice is grounded in learning more about Salish design through studying the old pieces, observing nature, and learning from her elders and teachers.
Atheana studied fine art at Langara college for three years, with a focus on ceramics, intaglio printmaking, and wood carving. Then in 2021, she focused on screen printing and drawing. She is engaged with public art through her mural work throughout the Greater Vancouver area since 2018, and more recently with banner and vinyl mural installations. Atheana is a two-time recipient of the YVR art foundation emerging artist scholarship, and has works in the collections at the Museum of Vancouver, Burnaby art gallery, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
Rain Pierre (Katzie)
Rain Pierre (sɬə́məxʷ), creator of Rain Awakens, is an artist from Katzie First Nation. In 2016, he shifted from a career in civil engineering to pursue art and to follow a path more aligned with his spirit. He makes artworks in a variety of mediums and has partnered with the school districts of Surrey, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows to inspire young students.
Diamond Point (Musqueam)
Diamond Point is a Contemporary Coast Salish Artist and proud member of Musqueam Indian Band. Over the last few years, Point has built up her public art experience and portfolio with many different opportunities and artistic achievements, with her artwork being showcased through Vancouver Mural Festival, Vancouver Coastal Health, Patagonia Vancouver, Translink, Delta School District, UBC; or having been on display at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, and the Museum of Anthropology. Point firmly believes that her body of work demonstrates who she is as not only a contemporary artist, but also as a proud Musqueam and Coast Salish person. As an artist, Point intends to create artwork that connects contemporary experiences, styles and contexts to traditional understandings, knowledge and teachings.
Hailee Stogan (Musqueam)
Hailee has loved art from a young age, from doodling on the pages of her note book to taking classes at Emily Carr. It wasn’t until a couple years ago that she started taking art seriously and became interested in her culture’s art style. In September 2022 she had her first mural installed with Translink about Truth and Reconciliation and is now an emerging Musqueam Artist.
About Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces comprises over 75,000 square feet of dynamic and creative spaces in the Massey Theatre Arts Complex which includes the Massey Theatre, Plaskett Gallery, two multipurpose studios, two performance studios, a dance studio, digital labs and the Garden/Gathering Space. The expanded spaces are programmed, operated and powered by the Massey Theatre Society in an effort to offer artists and community a facility as well as resources and support for their work, creating new and inclusive opportunities for artistic creation, presentation, development, community engagement, wellness practices, and workshopping. Within Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, the Massey Theatre activates the Massey Theatre Mainstage season, Studio 1B and 1C Performance Series, Gallery programming, Community Nights, Artist Access and more.
About Massey Theatre Society
The Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia’s largest theatre, at the time, with 1,260 seats. Since then, its lights have shone on thousands of performances and has become a cherished space to experience the arts. The Massey hosts large scale musicals, international music and dance performances, symphonies, choirs, ballets and more. With a commitment to the cultural life of the community, it supports programs for emerging artists and community groups as well as new creation and production residencies. The theatre is a key gathering place with over 100,000 visitors and hosting over 200 events/performances each year. The Massey Theatre Society operates Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces and is a catalyst for a vibrant, expressive community and a stage where any dream is possible.
Media Contact
Erin Jeffery
Director, Marketing and Communications, Massey Theatre
erin@masseytheatre.com | 604.517.5900
Rotary Club of New Westminster makes $10,000 donation to Developing a Community Kitchen
New Westminster, BC – Massey Theatre Society is celebrating a $10,000 donation by the Rotary Club of New Westminster. This donation will be directed towards the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces Community Kitchen in the Massey Theatre Complex.
Showing their continued commitment to community service and support, the Rotary Club of New Westminster made the decision to direct these funds to the Community Kitchen project as it will fill a need in the community.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support this fantastic initiative,” said Rotary Club of New Westminster Co-President Gabor Gasztonyi, “We challenge other local business organizations to match our donation so this kitchen can serve our community.”
The Community Kitchen will be used to enhance the day-to-day life of the facility in addition to enabling a whole new variety of social, cultural and artistic activations. There is currently no appropriate kitchen space in the facility. The facility would be used to feed artists, activate community programs, service fundraisers, meetings, cultural celebrations, awards ceremonies, as well as performances and arts programs. Eighth & Eight will look to participate in food sustainability programs, local food and beverage markets, educational and community cooking programs, streaming cooking shows and coffee talks and more . These will all be able to be programmed in the Community Kitchen once the space is complete.
“The Rotary Club has supported Massey Theatre Society several times over the years,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director of Massey Theatre Society, “Their support is always a reminder of how strong our community is and gives us a boost of confidence that what we do is relevant and valued.”
This $10,000 donation is one quarter of the funding needed to ensure this kitchen is completed. Massey Theatre society is currently fundraising to complete this kitchen and get started with community activation, connection and creation. For more information, please contact the Massey Theatre.
About Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces comprises over 57,000 square feet of dynamic and creative spaces in the Massey Theatre Arts Complex which includes the Massey Theatre, Plaskett Gallery, four multipurpose studios including a performance studio and dance studio and digital labs. The expanded spaces at the Massey Theatre Complex and operated by Massey Theatre Society aim to offer artists and community a facility as well as resources and support for their work, creating new and inclusive opportunities for artistic creation, presentation, development, community engagement, wellness practices, and workshopping.
About Massey Theatre Society
The Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia’s largest theatre, at the time, with 1,260 seats. Since then, its lights have shone on thousands of performances and has become a cherished space to experience the arts. The Massey hosts large scale musicals, international music and dance performances, symphonies, choirs, ballets and more. With a commitment to the cultural life of the community, it supports programs for emerging artists and community groups as well as new creation and production residencies. The theatre is a key gathering place with over 100,000 visitors and hosting over 200 events/performances each year. The Massey Theatre Society is a catalyst for a vibrant, expressive community and a stage where any dream is possible.
Media Contact
Erin Jeffery
Director, Marketing and Communications, Massey Theatre
erin@masseytheatre.com | 604.517.5900
Cameron Peal: Emerging Artist in Residence
Cameron Peal is an emerging Indigenous playwright who participated in a residency at Eighth & Eight to develop a new play for youth in grades 10-12, called “Hold on to the Question”. The play is about a journey towards learning to celebrate the intersectional nature of contemporary indigenous life, especially for younger indigenous folks — the intersection at which modern life and its luxuries collide with the multi-layered history of indigenous peoples on turtle island, and in the country we call Canada. During this residency, Cameron shared a reading of his play with young Indigenous students and participated in a feedback session with these youth.
“My time with Massey Theatre was extremely valuable for my process, as it’s not often that a company is able to provide generous space for exploration, especially in the early stages of theatre development,” said Cameron. “Having a creative space where I could experiment with process deeply informed the work, and that is something that I am always interested in trying out, as often as possible.”
Cameron Peal (he/him/his) is a Vancouver based (Musqueam, Squamish, and TseilWaututh territories) theatre artist, from the Nisga’a Nation of Northwest BC. His current passion is in exploring the abstract: “how can I express something beyond the boundaries of what’s literal, what’s already clear?” His work looks to blur the boundaries between art forms and genres.
Recent credits: Assistant Director – White Noise (Firehall Arts Centre, Savage Society), Writer/Performer – 4 Directions Cabaret (Rumble Theatre), Ensemble – In My Day (Zee Zee Theatre), Director – enough is enough is enough (Studio 58), Producer/Creator – Where Is This Going (Butcher Shop Collective), Assistant Director – Bunk #7 (The Raven Collective), Co-Director – Cerulean Blue (Studio 58), Writer/Performer – Gather: Stories in Nature (Pacific Theatre, and Neworld Theatre), Production Coordinator – Indigenous Cities (Savage Society), Assistant to the Director – She Sells Seashells (United Players), Ensemble – Reframed (Electric Company Theatre), MC – Backyard Sessions (Savage Society), and Writer – The Transformation Project (National Arts Centre, and Pi Theatre). Actor/director/writer, Studio 58 graduate.
This program has been made possible thanks to funding by the Province of British Columbia, BC Arts Council, BC Touring Council, and the City of New Westminster.
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City of New Westminster invests 20.1 Million in Massey Theatre
New Westminster, BC – Massey Theatre Society (MTS) is pleased to announce the City of New Westminster’s 20.1 Million dollar investment in renovations and accessibility in to the Massey Theatre Arts Complex (Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces).
On June 12th, 2023, City Council voted unanimously to approve the 20.1 million dollar budget as part of their phase one investment in the theatre and ancillary spaces. “The City has further committed to the preservation of the historic Massey Theatre through this $20.1M investment in repairs, structural upgrades, and accessibility improvements,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone, City of New Westminster. “We are fortunate to have a partner in the Massey Theatre Society dedicated to not just programming a grand theatre, but in making the space an arts hub that serves the entire community.”
These repairs, upgrades and accessibility improvements include:
- replacing roofs and the exterior wall system,
- removal of the North Wing gymnasium,
- enhanced accessibility with new elevators and accessible universal washrooms.
“A significant investment in the structure by the City of New Westminster is essential for our charitable organization to raise the funds necessary to make our own investments in the arts and our specialised infrastructure,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director, Massey Theatre Society. “This partnership brings tremendous renewal that will benefit the entire community locally and regionally.”
With this decision by Council, the Massey Theatre Society can focus on its key priorities of professional arts presentation, community engagement, and, access to arts for all. With numerous established programs and exciting initiatives in development, the society is raising funds towards these initiatives and programs while the City ensures the modernization, renovation and improved physical access to the building.
Current Massey Theatre Society Programs
Mainstage Presentations
Studio Theatre Presentations
Community Nights (free use)
Artist Access Program (reduced rates for artists)
Coming Home Program (2SLGBTQ+ social programs)
Artistic Creation Residencies
Gallery Programs
Massey Helps Grants
Innovative Food and Beverage Program
Programs and Initiatives In Development
Community Kitchen
Present Yourself Studio Theatre Series
Old School Music Hall Series
Immersive and Interactive Digital Exhibition
Art and Makers Shop
Art Based Camps and Registered Programs
Landscape and Public Art Installations
About Massey Theatre Society
The Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia’s largest theatre, at the time, with 1,260 seats. Since then, its lights have shone on thousands of performances and has become a cherished space to experience the arts. The Massey hosts large scale musicals, international music and dance performances, symphonies, choirs, ballets and more. The theatre is a key gathering place with over 100,000 visitors and hosting over 200 events/performances each year.
Massey Theatre Society contributes to artistic and cultural vibrancy in many ways. From presenting professional theatre, dance, music and original interdisciplinary performances; to engaging community through artist led creative and cultural development programs. With the recent expansion, MTS supports professional practitioners with funds and facility resources, offer technical residencies on their stages and engage artists with community in innovative ways.
Media Contact:
Erin Jeffery
Director, Marketing and Communications, Massey Theatre
erin@masseytheatre.com | 604.517.5900
Call for Submissions
The Plaskett Gallery and North Wing Gallery, part of the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces/ Massey Theatre complex in New Westminster, are now accepting submissions from visual artists in any media for exhibitions from April to December 2023, with the option of doing a one- or two-month exhibition, pending on availability.
Please submit samples of your work by post or email in photographic format, a minimum of six photographs, the framed size of each work, an artist’s statement about the proposed exhibition, a curriculum vitae and your website address if applicable.
The minimum size is 16”x20” includes the frame, i.e. twenty five 16”x20” are needed to mount an exhibition. If you like your submission returned by mail please include a self-addressed envelope and sufficient postage.
The North Wing Gallery is able to accommodate freestanding sculptures. The North Wing has 25 glass display cases measuring 44” wide by 39” high and 10” deep.
The proposed exhibition submission must not have been showcased in New Westminster in the preceding 12 months, nor (upon acceptance) be displayed in any other New Westminster galleries during the exhibiting year.
Deadline for submissions is February 28, 2023.
Please send submission via post, email or hand deliver to:
Massey Theatre/Plaskett Gallery Exhibition Committee
735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2R2
Via email: qiuli@masseytheatre.com
For more information please contact the Massey Theatre by phone, 604-517-5900 extension 6124, or by email.
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It’s time for a show of appreciation
These really are unprecedented times. Times of great loss and lack of connection with friends, loved ones and community.
It’s hard. For everyone. Some of life’s luster is definitely missing.
We’ve been witnessing the difficult work of healthcare and frontline workers (teachers, administrators and support staff, police officers, firefighters, retail workers, hospitality staff, delivery people, grocery clerks, and more), you know who you are!
For two years now they have given of themselves more than they knew they could. And it isn’t over yet. Our community members in the performing arts have lost work, motivation and wellbeing by not being able to practice, perform and bring art to everyday life.
To these amazing individuals, we offer a giant THANK YOU. We appreciate you and see you.
From Jan. 20 – February 3, we’re offering Healthcare and Frontline workers and Performing Arts Workers and Artists 50% off tickets to see The Arts Club Theatre Company’s Noises Off at Massey Theatre running from February 15-27.
It is a show filled with laughter, lightness and energy and is sure to bring a spark of joy and that feeling of celebration we need.
We all need connection. While we can’t gather in all the ways that we may want to, we can celebrate through the shared experience of the arts.
Frontline workers can get tickets for 50% off using the code FRONTLINE at point of purchase
Performing arts workers can get tickets for 50% off using the code PERFORMINGARTS at point of purchase
Spread the word. Share with your friends and loved ones in these industries. Perhaps buy them tickets so you can all go to the show. Together.
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Giving Tuesday 2021
Today is Giving Tuesday
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, taking place each year after Black Friday. The “Opening day of the giving season’ when charities, business and individuals come together to celebrate giving as a community
And community is who we are.
Having the audiences return over the past few months has been magical. We’ve safely held live performances, rehearsals, meetings and more in our space and launched our most ambitious presentation season ever including a full professional run of the Arts Club Theatre’s production of Noises Off. Moments of connection and joy for audiences and community members, and a return to creation and employment for artists and technicians.
We are proud to be playing such a huge part of the recovery of the arts in British Columbia.
In addition to welcoming back audiences and creators in our space, we moved into a new era for the Massey Theatre and ancillary spaces with the transfer of ownership of our building to the City of New Westminster. This has triggered an incredible partnership that promises to impact the community greatly over the coming years, and the expansion of the venue has created Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces. These spaces will make a significant contribution to arts in the region, providing a new home and infrastructure for the arts of the future. There is much work to be done, and this work requires funding.
Funding for renovations, artist fees, upgrades of equipment, new state of the art digital production equipment, training, programming, outreach and more.
Our goals are high, but necessary and ones that we’re committed to hitting.
As we kick off giving season and our donation drive, please consider supporting us this Giving Tuesday with a tax deductible donation. This Giving Tuesday, Canada Helps will be adding $2 to every donation over $20. If we recieve 100 donations over $20, that means an extra $200. $200 that could go to artist fees for programming to marginalized youth. $200 that can provide access to the arts for seniors. $200 towards the arts centre of our future.
Support us in our commitment to a vibrant future and consider giving a donation to the Massey Theatre Society from yourself, your business or in the name of a loved one.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and support you’ve given to Massey Theatre. We do this with you and for you, and if you have the means, we hope you’ll share with us, or share our message.
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We want to hear from you!
We’re missing all the artists, community activators, producers and audience members that come through our doors every day, sharing experiences, thoughts and joy in our space. We know that we’ll all be able to be together again eventually, but we’re adapting so we can still engage our audiences and support the people who create and produce on our stage.
We’ve begun programming small activities in our spaces as well as working with local producers on the filming of events that will be live-streamed. However, we want to ensure that we are providing and supporting what the audience and community wants.
We’ve collaborated with the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance on a short survey for our patrons, partners, artists and collaborators.
The purpose of this survey is to help us and other arts and cultural organizations plan for reopening and to understand your needs as we plan for the future. The survey focuses on your arts and cultural activities and how you feel about options for a safe return to these activities.
Your responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. You will not be asked for your name, contact details, or any other information that could identify you. Only aggregated data will be publicly disclosed.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you want to experience arts, events and programming at Massey Theatre. We look forward to welcoming you back very soon in an environment where we can collectively enjoy the magic of the performing arts and community.
To fill out the survey, click on this LINK
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@masseytheatre.com!
There is also a similar survey running for the Anvil Centre Theatre if you’d like to fill that out as well.
This is #JustAnIntermission
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Our commitment to do more
Participation in the arts is dominated by communities who have historically received access and inclusion. The Massey Theatre is committed to increasing access and inclusion for Black community members and artists.
Seeing one’s self reflected in art, in story, in music; being empowered and applauded, particularly for youth and children, builds an important sense of belonging and of being valued.
Currently, violent acts against Black bodies circulate and dominate our view. In response, we offer the use of our physical and human resources to Black community members. Strengthen yourselves and these global social movements with these supports. Facilitate, connect, restore, speak your truths and be heard, we will assist you.
This week we are reengaging with members of BC’s Black artistic community to co-create opportunities which elevate Black voices and inter-connect communities. We invite Black community members and organizations to feed and inform this programming and we call on the community at large to learn and take action toward social change.
Please contact jessica@masseytheatre.com if you wish to be involved in supporting or developing these activities or if you have any questions or concerns.
Black Canadian artists embody the resilience and achievements of their ancestors, survivors of a brutal legacy and their work offers valuable perspectives. This collection of National Film Board of Canada films by award winning Black filmmakers, creators and allies is a mere tip of the iceberg of work created by Black artists in Canada. We invite you to watch and learn.
NWSO Conductor Jin Zhang
Jin Zhang, was born in Beijing China. He received his initial musical education at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Thereupon he traveled to Japan and studied at the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo. He studied conducting with Professor Morihiro Okabe and he also took master classes with maestros Kazuyoshi Akiyama and Seiji Ozawa. Since coming to Canada in 1990, Jin has quickly become known as a conductor and composer who actively promotes the appreciation of and education in symphonic orchestral music and, no less, the combining of Eastern and Western musical expressions.
Jin Zhang is an associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre. He presently holds the position of Music Director and Conductor of the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra, and the Vancouver Youth Symphony Intermediate Orchestra. He also conducts the Vancouver Inter Culture Orchestra. He is an artistic director of VBCm production. Recently he was appointed guest professor in the Yunnan Wenhua Conservatory for Arts in China.
Jin Zhang is a multiple recipient of commissioning grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, and has composed for many ensembles, TV productions, and CD recordings. Many of his compositions and arrangements have been played by professional and community groups, including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Some of his works have been broadcast by the BBC, CBC, VTV and other networks. In 2008, Jin released a recording of his compositions titled “Tracing”. The production of the CD was financially supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, and the CD distributed by the Canadian Music Centre. His second CD was released in China in 2010. Under the aegis of the Pangea Arts Society, he was granted major Olympic arts funding for the creation of a new work.
Jin has received many awards. In 2006, he was selected by the Canadian Music Centre to be part of their new online initiative titled “Composer Portraits – Influences of Many Musics”. This project focuses on Canadian composers who have come to Canada from other countries, highlighting their valuable contributions to Canadian music. In 2004, Jin was honoured by the City of New Westminster for ten years of distinguished service to the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra and the City.
In 2001, the film he composed music for “Nu Shu: A Hidden Language of Women in China” received the Audience Award and Best Documentary at the Festival Internazionale Cinema Delle Donne in Torino, Italy. In 1986, he won second prize in a composition competition in the Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing. In 1984, he won third prize in a nation-wide composition competition in China. Recently, he received an Artistic Achievement Award issued by the Vancouver Chinese Culture Centre.
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