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District of Mission to start funding community programs at Clarke Theatre

Theatre previously provided most funding by Mission School District
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The annual Diwali celebration at the Clarke Theatre in Mission in 2019. / Bob Friesen Photos

The District of Mission will start funding community programming at Clarke Theatre in 2021.

Since 1997, the Mission School District has, with some municipal support, funded the bulk of the theatre’s operations – but this is about to change.

On Oct. 27, the Mission School District and the District of Mission sent out a joint news release about an agreement of operational change, which has been in place since 2002.

“The School District had determined that the majority of the Theatre usage is community-based and this has been the basis for the agreement discussion with the District of Mission over the past few years,” said the news release.

“The District of Mission is looking forward to the opportunity to lead community programming to enhance the overall offerings and drive forward the vision for culture set out in the Parks, Recreation, Arts + Culture Master Plan.”

The School District will still use the theatre for school activities and shows, however the municipality will take on responsibility for the community-based shows and programs.

This new agreement is to be finalized this fall, and may be operational in early 2021.

RELATED: 13 parks, culture projects could be completed in Mission in 2020