Executive Director, Lindy Sisson

As a community arts service organization the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council (MRPMAC) has been promoting and supporting arts and culture in the communities of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge since 1971. Since 2003 the MRPMAC has managed The ACT Arts Centre and Theatre, also acting as the key presenter in the region bringing a variety of performing arts disciplines for all ages to perform at The ACT. In 2005 the Arts Council was also asked to take on the operations of the Maple Ridge Art Gallery, to enable the Arts Centre to continue to service the local visual arts community upon the dissolution of the Maple Ridge Art Gallery Society. Through our extensive arts programs, performing arts presentations and services to the arts community and the District of Maple Ridge and the City of Pitt Meadows we have established ourselves as the primary arts provider in the region upholding the following Mission Statement:

“In partnership with the community, the Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Arts Council works to develop, promote and celebrate the Arts.”

Beyond this we also have a wider mandate established through our partnership with the District of Maple Ridge and the City of Pitt Meadows;

"To provide for the co-ordination and provision of visual and performing arts opportunities

for the benefit of the residents of the District and

 to provide for the operation of an arts centre in the District."

As a non-profit society governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the MRPM Arts Council is dedicated to promoting and encouraging appreciation for the arts. Working in partnerships with other organizations, individuals and governments, the council also acts as an arts resource and forum for communication. The Arts Council promotes and supports all disciplines of the arts and is committed to fulfilling their motto of "Bringing Arts to the Heart of Our Community".


History

The Arts Council is proud to celebrate a long history of service to the community. In 1970 the Community Arts Council of Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows was founded on the rich artistic talents of the area. In 1971 the council incorporated as a society called the Community Arts Council of T'Lagunna, a First Nations word for "Golden Ears", the majestic mountain peaks that feature prominently in both communities. Through the 1980's the Arts Council continued to grow and evolved as the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council, which truly reflects the service to both communities. Today, the Arts Council operates and manages The ACT Arts Centre and Theatre through a fee for service agreement with the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks and Leisure Services Commission and continues to be a strong voice for arts and culture in our community.