Saint John’s Imperial Theatre Launches Capital Campaign
SAINT JOHN – Saint John’s Imperial Theatre launched a fundraising campaign Tuesday.
The “We Are *IT” campaign is aiming to raise money to repair the theatre’s declining brick façade.
The historic Imperial Theatre, owned by the community through a not-for-profit organization, has set a target of raising $3 million over the next year to help maintain and restore its famous brick façade.
“Imperial Theatre is a cultural driver that supports a wide range of local performers while also giving people in southwestern New Brunswick access to internationally renowned talent,” said Lisa Hrabluk, CEO of Wicked Ideas and co-chair of the fundraising campaign. “It’s really at the heart of what we all love so much about Saint John.”
The theatre is not only a historic landmark for the city, but is also a strong economic driver. Spin-off from the Imperial’s operations makes a significant impact on the resturant, accommodation and tourism sectors, bringing in about $3.6 million to the local economy a year.
“This is more than a fundraising effort. It’s really about celebrating the role of Imperial Theatre in our community. We need to recognize this institution and what it means to us all – from local singers, dancers and musicians to the international performers who come here because they know Imperial Theatre is someplace special,” said Wayne Chamberlain, co-chair of the campaign.
The repairs are scheduled to begin in spring of 2016.