The dream of a new non-profit performing arts facility in downtown Penticton is a significant step closer to reality following the release of a $100,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen to the Dream Society. The grant award followed the Society successfully meeting a fundraising challenge established by the Foundation.
Approved in January through the Community Foundation’s Capital Investments Program, the grant was conditional on the Dream Society raising an equivalent amount through fundraising and community support. Earlier this month, the Society achieved that goal, unlocking the Foundation’s contribution and creating a combined investment of more than $200,000 toward the project.
“Our volunteers have poured countless hours into this, and the Community Foundation has now backed us with a major $100K commitment,” said Kim Lymburner, President of The Dream Society. “We’ve done our part. We’ve secured the space, advanced the construction, and shown that a world-class room for live music is within reach. The Foundation isn’t just helping us finish a building; they’re investing in a cultural resource that will serve this community for years to come. But a grant and a devoted group of volunteers can only take us so far. That’s why today we’re launching a public fundraising drive and turning to the people and businesses of our city. The rest comes down to a single question: does Penticton want live music back at 67 Front Street as much as we do? If so, we hope they’ll show it by donating, buying a membership, or partnering with us through one of our many sponsorship opportunities.”
The Dream Society is currently renovating its venue at 67 Front Street. When complete, the facility will provide a new home for live performance, arts education, and community programming. In addition to hosting professional performances, the space is envisioned as a training ground for emerging performers and technicians, and a no-cost venue for local non-profit arts organizations to deliver programming and connect with audiences.
The project also introduces an innovative approach to arts sustainability. Through a social enterprise model, the Dream Society plans to generate revenue by presenting high-quality professional performances, with proceeds helping support local arts initiatives and community programming over the long term. The organization is currently operating as a not-for-profit and has applied for charitable status.
“This is an example of an arts economy approach,” said Aaron McRann, CEO of the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen. “The goal isn’t simply to operate a venue—it’s to create a community asset that generates both cultural and economic value, with revenues reinvested back into the arts sector. Models like Edmonton’s Yardbird Suite have shown this approach can succeed over the long term. The Dream Society is demonstrating a creative economic strategy that supports artists and arts organizations today while building resources for the future. For a sector that is traditionally underfunded, innovative approaches like this are essential.”
The Community Foundation’s Capital Investments Program supports projects that strengthen community infrastructure and create long-term benefits for residents across the South Okanagan Similkameen. By requiring matching contributions, the program encourages community participation while amplifying the impact of philanthropic investment.
Learn how you can get involved at dreamsociety.ca.