The date has officially been set for Prince George's fanciest event of the year.
On May 4, residents will be invited to get all dressed up and spend an evening with Mayor Lyn Hall.
That’s, of course, the date of the second annual Mayor’s Black and White Ball for the Arts, an event designed to support local arts organizations through direct fundraising and the establishment of a new community arts grant.
It’s an opportunity for the community to don their finest attire and come out to an extravaganza event to raise funds for three arts organizations: The Community Arts Council of Prince George and District, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, and Theatre NorthWest.
“We work hard to bring arts and culture to Prince George,” says Sean Farrell, Executive Director of the Community Arts Council of Prince George.
“This is a city of volunteers. This is a city of collaboration and partnerships and we feel that our three organizations work hard to demonstrate that partnership and sense of collaboration that makes Prince George an amazing city.”
Additional funds raised will also go to support the Prince George Arts Micro-Grant program which supports local emerging artists by providing funding for short-term arts projects.
The Black and White Ball will be hosted by Mayor Lyn Hall and will feature an exclusive culinary feast, live music, dancing, auctions, and entertainment provided by some of the city’s top performing artists.
“The Prince George Symphony Orchestra will be performing; we will have performances by Judy Russell’s amazing dance talent, Melanie Nicol will perform opera songs, and there is a rumour I might even be sitting at the piano playing something,” explains Farrell.
“In 2018, when I was asked if I would be interested in participating with Sean and his team it was a very quick yes,” says Mayor Lyn Hall. “It’s an opportunity to showcase the arts in our city and this a big part of what Prince George is all about and it’s growing.”
For the second year in a row, Canadian Tire has agreed to become the title sponsor of the event, contributing $10,000.
“We are certainly thrilled to be a part of this event,” says Canadian Tire Store Owner Selen Alpay. “Certainly we want to see the arts evolve into something bigger and better every year and that is why we are happy to support.”
The second annual Mayor’s Black and White Ball for the Arts takes place at the Civic Centre starting with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. and is, as you may have presumed, a formal event with a black and white theme.
Tickets range in price, but an average single ticket is $120, and a full table of 10 is $1,200.
They are now on sale and are available to purchase at theatrenorthwest.com, or by calling 250-649-6477.
