History of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre
The Chilliwack Cultural Centre officially opened its doors in September 2010, following a decade-long, community-driven effort to address Chilliwack’s need for enhanced facilities to host and nurture arts and cultural experiences for all ages. With two theatres, an art gallery, 19 music studios, and five art and performance studios, the Centre quickly established itself as an artistic jewel of the Fraser Valley.
Owned by the City of Chilliwack and operated by the Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society, the Centre welcomed its first Executive Director, Michael Cade, in 2009. Leading a team of 15 staff, Michael guided the Centre from its inaugural performance—featuring the legendary Mickey Rooney—through its first decade of remarkable growth. In just nine years, programming expanded from 80 live performances in 2010 to 394 events in 2019.
In 2021, Jean-Louis Bleau was appointed as Executive Director. With a dynamic team of more than 50 people, he is steering the Centre into its second decade under the inspiring banner of a “Fearless Exploration of the Arts.”
Now, in 2025, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary with a landmark performance by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, honouring its past achievements while looking boldly toward the future.