The Civic Theatre has always been more than a place to watch a movie. It is a cultural anchor for Nelson — a space where stories come to life, voices are heard, and people connect. As we embark on our capital renovation project, we are not just updating a building; we are reimagining what a community arts hub can be.
Our transformation is driven by a vision of the future, one that embraces research on how art house cinemas can thrive in an evolving cultural landscape.
A 2021 doctoral thesis by William Fech, More than Movies: Art House Cinemas in the Digital Age, confirms what industry research has long shown: when a single-screen cinema transitions to a three-screen venue, it doesn’t just increase capacity — it triples its audience and impact. This fundamental shift is at the heart of The Civic Theatre’s three-screen transformation.
By expanding our screening capacity, we will offer more diverse programming and better serve the full spectrum of our community’s interests. From independent films and live-streamed performances to community-focused events, a multi-screen venue provides the flexibility to enrich our cultural landscape. More screens mean more simultaneous programming — classic films, new releases, documentaries, experimental cinema — turning The Civic into a dynamic cultural hub.
Fech’s research also highlights that multi-screen venues achieve greater financial sustainability. With this expansion, The Civic will not only survive but thrive, ensuring long-term viability in an industry where single-screen venues often struggle. But this renovation is about more than adding screens — it’s about redefining The Civic Theatre as a multifaceted cultural institution.
Today’s art house cinemas are evolving into community hubs that offer more than just films. They host art exhibitions, live performances, educational workshops, and local film festivals. This aligns with our vision for The Civic — a place where creativity flourishes, ideas are nurtured, and the community comes together to celebrate the arts. It will be a home for imagination and innovation.
As a nonprofit, The Civic Theatre is uniquely positioned to focus on cultural enrichment rather than profit margins. Fech’s work affirms that non-profit cinemas provide stable, community-driven programming while ensuring accessibility. As a registered charity, we will continue to offer inclusive programming that reflects our community’s diverse interests and needs, making The Civic a space where the arts remain accessible to all.
Contrary to speculation, cinema-going is far from dead. Fech’s research underscores that independent cinemas embracing digital technology and diverse programming are thriving. The Civic Theatre is committed to evolving with the times, ensuring that it remains a vibrant space for storytelling and shared experiences. While the industry has changed, the desire for community-based cinema is stronger than ever, and The Civic will be at the forefront of this movement.
Beyond cultural enrichment, the economic impact of The Civic Theatre cannot be overstated. Fech notes that art house cinemas provide vital economic and cultural boosts to their communities. In a small town like Nelson, cultural institutions drive tourism, support local businesses, and create opportunities for artists. By ensuring The Civic’s success, we are investing in the long-term vitality of our community, enhancing Nelson’s cultural fabric, and strengthening its reputation as a destination for arts and tourism.
As we look ahead to the future, we are inspired by the possibilities that The Civic Theatre’s renovation will bring. It will be a space that serves the entire community where people can come together to watch, create, learn and share.
We know it’s been a little quiet on our end — I’ve said for a long time that in order to finally move into an active capital fundraising campaign, we needed to know three things: what we are building, when we are building it, and how much it will cost. We are on the cusp of launching our last lap, the final fundraising campaign to complete the project and build the new Civic, and nearly ready to break ground on the renovations of the theatre, following the city’s roof repair and green upgrade project.
With the support of our community — your support — we can make this vision a reality and ensure that The Civic Theatre remains a vibrant cultural hub for generations to come. The future of The Civic Theatre is bright, and we are excited to take this journey together.
Eleanor Stacey is executive director of Nelson Civic Theatre Society (NCTS), which runs The Civic Theatre and 225 Hall St. (The Shoebox Theatre and Reo’s Video), is home of the Kootenay Screen-based Industry Workers Program, and a founding partner of the Kootenay Regional Film Commission and the STOODIS Indigenous Film Festival.
