They’ve been working hard since their inception to bring the arts to Vernon, and they’re bringing on a new leader who shares that dream.
The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre introduces Jim Harding as executive director to kick off the 2017/18 season.
“Jim brings a mix of theatre knowledge and extensive executive experience to the team,” said Keyanna Burgher, audience development coordinator.
A Vernon product, Harding returns home after a successful career in Victoria, first as executive director of Theatre BC for 13 years, followed by his position as executive director of BC Museums Association for 12 years.
With a background in creative writing at the University of Victoria, Harding first realized his love for theatre after submitting a one-act play to a local community theatre group for production in Victoria. He later received national recognition for another play, Bookends, after joining Theatre BC, initially as a project coordinator.
After transitioning into the executive role for Theatre BC, Harding led the rebranding of the annual provincial Mainstage Festival and worked to emphasize the educational value of Theatre BC’s longstanding tradition of adjudicated festivals. He was also the founding president of Intrepid Theatre Company, host of the Victoria Fringe festival.
In 2001, as executive director for the BC Museums Association, Harding undertook a province-wide rejuvenation of programming and membership, increasing member Museum and Art Gallery ranks from one-in-five to four-in-five over his tenure. He oversaw the coordination of the annual BCMA conference and administered the joint Heritage Tourism Alliance initiative with Tourism BC on behalf of B.C.’s History and Heritage marketing sector.
“Jim is excited to take on the challenge of this fabulous facility and looks forward to an exciting season of theatre, dance and so much more,” Burgher said.