In 1976, a workshop organized by Nini Baird at SFU that connected artists and presenters with resources and professional development in the performing arts sector helped launch the BC Touring Council (BCTC).
1970s
Founding & Vision
Under Rory Rolston’s leadership, BCTC launched key initiatives, including the Arts for BC Schools program, which subsidized school districts to bring in touring artists. At the same time, BCTC launched the Arts Resource Touring Subsidy, a precursor to the BC Arts Council’s Community Presenters Assistance program.
Perhaps the most important initiative was Pacific Contact, a yearly gathering of presenters, artists, agents, and schools. The first Pacific Contact at the David Y.H. Lui Theatre in 1976 proved so successful that participation grew from 300 to 500 between 1978 and 1979. In just four years, BCTC fulfilled its mandate of bringing people together to support touring artists and presenters.
1980s
Innovation & Growth
When a financial recession hit the province in 1981, the government cut many programs, including the ABC’s school program. This was a real blow for BCTC as the program had been a cornerstone of the organization. It needed a reset, and in 1983, under Executive Director Virginia Cleary, BCTC continued to expand.
Many initiatives from this period continue today: the Young Audiences showcase, Sales Spotlights (now Pitch & Performs), and the Awards.
The Gateway Theatre in Richmond became the showcase venue for Pacific Contact.
1990s
Building Connections & Support
Pacific Contact gained a reputation for showcasing high-level artists, including Sarah MacLachlan, Spirit of the West, and Loreena McKennitt.
The Community Presenters Assistance program, launched in 1995, provided funding to assist presenters with artist fees. This enabled them to book more artists, take creative risks, and reduce reliance on box office revenue.
BCTC began hosting Facility/Venue Managers meetings to build a network of peers who shared knowledge, exchanged ideas, and supported each other’s professional development.
2000s
Leadership & Transition
Executive Director John McLachlan helped BCTC recover from financial challenges while implementing organizational improvements, including a website and an email database.
In 2001, Joanna Maratta joined the team. She continued developing BCTC as an organization focussed on professional development for artists and presenters.
The venue for Pacific Contact also moved from the Norman Rothstein Theatre to the Chan Centre at UBC, then to Granville Island, before settling in Burnaby at the Michael J. Fox Theatre and Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.
2010s
Diversity & Inclusion
Block booking became an established practice for coordinating tours. Northern presenters became an important group that would consistently work together to book artists.
The “On the Road” workshop series was delivered in thirteen locations in BC under the Aspiring & Emerging Artists Initiative.
Other projects included Warming up the Act, the Next Gen, and a Youth Friendly Venues inventory, all designed with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support and amplify early-career artists from diverse backgrounds.
2020s
Renewed Vision
After the challenge of the pandemic, Miriam Manley was hired as Executive Director with a series of new initiatives to build on the previous successes of BCTC and offer new opportunities. The organization rebranded as BC Live to encompass a wider spectrum of provincial presenters, such as festivals.
Pacific Contact began to move to a different community each year and was hosted in Kelowna for the first time in 2024.
“Into the Act” was created to provide financial assistance to presenters and festivals across BC to engage early-career artists.
Future
Connect, Collaborate & Support
As the organization continues to grow, BC Live is primed to advocate for and support BC presenters, festivals, schools, artists, and artist representatives well into the future.
We will continue to offer professional development, expand access to valuable resources, and create more opportunities for creative professionals to connect, collaborate, and support one another. By strengthening our network and staying responsive to members’ evolving needs, BC Live will empower artists and presenters to thrive and enrich the performing arts landscape throughout British Columbia.