ELORA – The Elora Centre for the Arts’ construction of an outdoor performance pavilion on its two-acre property in downtown Elora is now complete.
The pavilion stage, approximately 26 feet wide by 16 feet deep, includes a sloped cedar roof, limestone brick walls at the back and sides, a storage closet and accessibility ramp.
The idea for the project arose from a need for a new performance venue for the local creative community.
The project is part of a greenspace activation plan at the centre that includes an outdoor accessible pathway with art installations, bicycle parking and maps, benches and picnic tables, installed last spring.
“Our hope is that the new performance pavilion will provide a vibrant gathering space that encourages connection and artistic expression for our community and for the cultural opportunities within the region” stated Lianne Carter, executive director at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
Funding came from a grant from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and the local MacDonald Trust Fund, administered through the Township of Centre Wellington, as part of a joint effort between the arts centre and Riverfest Elora.
The pavilion structure has been named the MacDonald Pavilion.
“The design was a community collaboration that we are really proud of,” said Carter.
“We engaged local musicians, Riverfest, Elora Community Theatre, Elora Festival Singers and other professionals to obtain their feedback on the performance elements that are important them.”
The centre also engaged a sound specialist, who offered advice for directing and absorbing sound, and used materials that also direct and absorb sound.
There are already events and activities planned for the summer – the first is the Craft Gin Festival on June 10 from noon to 6pm, a celebration of artisan makers, with craft gins from across the region, live music and food vendors.
The Elora Community Theatre will also present its presentation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on the MacDonald Pavilion stage.
Evening and matinee performances are from Aug. 4 to 13, Fridays to Sundays.
Tickets and more information for pavilion events can be found at https://eloracentreforthearts.ca/our-events/upcoming-events.
The pavilion is available for community bookings – puppet shows, choral singing, acoustic music, magic performances, wedding ceremonies and more.
Booking information can be found at eloracentreforthearts.ca/rent-our-space/yard-and-pavilion-rentals.
