As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, a year defined not only by full theatres and vibrant galleries, but by deepened community connection, expanded creative opportunity, and the powerful role the arts continue to play in shaping the cultural story of Kelowna.

Across every corner of the building, from the Mary Irwin Theatre to our studios, galleries, classrooms, and lobby, 2025 affirmed the RCA’s role as a welcoming home where people come to create, learn, gather, and be inspired.

Here are just a few of the moments that made this past year one of growth, imagination, and community-building.

Performing Arts & Signature Cultural Moments

The Mary Irwin Theatre was alive this year with artists who stretched our imaginations, celebrated local stories, and brought national and international perspectives to our community.

The second half of the 2024/25 RCA Presents series featured a dynamic mix of performers, from Down the Lees to Standing Wave to Erica Sigurdson, each bringing bold energy to Kelowna’s arts scene. Our partnership with the Living Things International Arts Festival brought Epidermis Circus and Lucy Darling to the RCA stage, continuing our commitment to presenting boundary-pushing contemporary work.

In June, we launched the 2025/26 RCA Presents season with a lively celebration of artists, partners, and supporters. This fall, audiences enjoyed a rich lineup including Colin Linden, Charlie Demers, Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Trio, Chloe Davidson, Andy Milne & UNISON, the Vancouver Chamber Choir, and the Montréal Guitar Trio.

And this was a milestone year behind the scenes as well: the final phase of the Mary Irwin Theatre lighting upgrade was completed, ensuring a professional, artist-centered space that will support Kelowna’s creative community for years to come. Every performance this year was a reminder of how live arts deepen cultural life, create shared experiences, and strengthen the social fabric of our city.

This year, the RCA expanded its programming across winter, spring/summer, and fall, increasing access to high-quality creative experiences for youth, adults, families, and intergenerational learners.

We were thrilled to launch new free community gatherings, including Bluegrass Night in partnership with the Summerland Bluegrass Society, and the return of Open Mic Night, which continues to spotlight homegrown voices and foster newcomer participation in the arts.

We were also honoured to be voted Silver for Best Arts Organization in the Best of Kelowna awards, an affirmation of the trust, loyalty, and enthusiasm of the community we serve.

Supporting Artists, Partners, and Creative Spaces

The RCA remains a home for a vibrant community of artists, organizations, and cultural partners. Our year was filled with powerful stories of resilience and renewal, none more heartfelt than the transformation of Potters Addict.

After the passing of founder Bonnie Anderson, an RCA tenant for over 20 years, her students/members developed a thoughtful plan to honour her legacy. Together, we supported the transition and celebrated the reopening of the studio as Kelowna Pottery at Studio 108, a new chapter for a space long cherished in the downtown cultural district.

Our gallery exhibitions, supported by our partners at Sandhill Wines, showcased more than 60 local artists this year, drawing hundreds of attendees to opening receptions and helping to elevate emerging and established creators alike.

Thank you to the hundreds of clients who rent creative space at the RCA each year. We appreciate that you’ve chosen the RCA as your creative home for teaching and inspiring others in your artistic endeavours. Clients like New Vintage Theatre, Chamber Music Kelowna, Opera Kelowna, Train Wreck Comedy, Okanagan College, Hype Dance, Kelowna Salsa, the Japanese Language Society, Kendo, and so many more.

These partnerships, and the artists behind them, add to the beating heart of our cultural ecosystem.

Citywide Celebrations & Creative Collaboration

In 2025, the RCA stood proudly at the centre of several major cultural moments in Kelowna.

• Reel Okanagan, presented with OSIF, was a new celebration of films with deep ties to the Okanagan and BC.
• Nuit Blanche once again transformed the Cultural District, this year inviting audiences into immersive works inspired by De Rerum Natura.
• And for the first time ever, Kelowna hosted the Canadian Country Music Awards, with the RCA buzzing as a cultural anchor throughout the celebrations. Artists, industry professionals, and fans alike filled the building, highlighting the RCA’s essential role in citywide artistic celebrations including hosting the awards red carpet event.

These moments reaffirm the RCA as a place where creativity meets community and where local and national cultural stories intersect.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we turn the page to a new year, we do so with excitement for all that lies ahead. Registration is now open for our 2026 Winter Community Programs, offering new creative opportunities for every age. The 2025/26 RCA Presents season continues in full swing with innovative, inspiring performances. And our free community programs will return, ensuring that access to the arts remains a cornerstone of our work.

What made 2025 truly unforgettable were the people, artists, partners, volunteers, audiences, tenants, and community members, whose passion, generosity, and creativity fill this building with life.

Thank you for making the RCA a place where ideas grow, where stories are shared, and where community is continually reimagined through the arts.

We can’t wait to create with you in 2026.

See you in the New Year.