As the City of Kamloops moves closer to the opening of the highly anticipated Kamloops Centre for the Arts, the Build Kamloops Select Committee has endorsed a governance structure designed to ensure smooth operations and community involvement from day one.

Dusan Magdolan is the city’s Cultural Services and Events Manager and is leading the initiative. On Thursday, he presented a detailed report outlining a proposed model whereby the Centre would be owned by the City but operated by an independent, not-for-profit society. This structure aims to balance municipal oversight with the flexibility and community engagement typically seen in successful arts organizations.

A Governance Model Rooted in Research and Community Input

Magdolan explained that the governance proposal builds on a 2019 business case conducted by KPMG, which evaluated various operational alternatives. “Different alternatives were considered, from full City operations to shared ownership structures, but ultimately the business case recommends a City-owned asset operated by a new independent, not-for-profit society,” he said. The society would be responsible for day-to-day management, including hiring staff and programming, while the City would retain ownership of the building and infrastructure.

The City’s Cultural Services and Events Manager further bolstered the proposal with insights from a January 2025 tour of 18 arts centres across southern British Columbia. “Most were operated by a non-profit society,” said Magdolan. “This model supports transparency, accountability through a City-sanctioned external board, flexibility to engage stakeholders and donors, and financial sustainability through diversified revenue streams and community fundraising.”

An important safeguard, inspired by one of the venues visited, will be an intervention clause allowing the City to step in should the society’s governance fail.

Committee Discussion Highlights Collaboration and Oversight

Following the presentation, committee members voiced support while emphasizing the importance of careful board composition and City oversight.

Councillor Mike O’Reilly noted, “The devil’s going to be in the details as to how this board’s going to be set up… I envision the Centre being used by multiple different groups, and the board should have expertise not just in the arts but in legal, financial, and business areas as well.”

Magdolan responded that these details would be developed with community partners before being brought back to Council. “We’re following somewhat the model laid out with the land trust but adapting it for the Arts Centre,” he said.

Councillor Bill Sarai raised questions about the City’s role on the board, underscoring concerns about governance and prioritization of bookings. “Would we have someone from the City on that board?” he asked.

Magdolan affirmed that while a new, independent society and board would be created, maintaining a City connection — whether through a board member or liaison — remains a key consideration moving forward.

Next Steps: Building the Board and Ensuring Transparency

The Build Kamloops Select Committee voted unanimously to recommend Council endorse the governance and operating model. The next phase involves establishing the not-for-profit society, recruiting board members with diverse expertise and community representation, and developing operational and financial plans.

Magdolan concluded, “This is the model we want to use, and over the next few months we’ll work with our partners to flesh out the details and come back with more information on board composition, governance timelines, and funding.”

The new Kamloops Centre for the Arts is expected to be a cultural cornerstone for the community and a catalyst for downtown revitalization, offering expanded opportunities for local artists, community programming, and visitors alike.