Centre of attention: Confederation Centre revamps membership program

The Confederation Centre of the Arts is tweaking itsmembership program,Get Centre'd, whichoffers perks to members depending on how much they have donated to the non-profit organization.

Perks include discounts at the centre's gift shop andon-siterestaurant, Mavor's, first dibs on the best theatre seats,invitations to dress rehearsalsand private tours.

Members themselves requestedimprovements to the program,says centre CEO Steve Bellamy.

"There were some changes they'd like to see, in particular some more definition between giving levels and some more variety in the benefits of membership. So we're happy to oblige and very excited about this new program," he said.

More variety

Bellamy said themain complaint was that there wasn't much variety in the perks members receivedfor the amount they donated.

"If you gave $50 a year to the Confederation Centre or if you gave $5,000 a year, there wasn't that many differences in the benefit of membership," he said.

Now, those who join at the $1,000 level or morefrom now until Christmas receive their name on aseat in the main theatre, the Homburg Theatre.

From 'friends' to 'founders'

The lowest level is called the "friend" level. For $50, "friends"getadvancenotice of shows and ticketpurchases, are recognized on the centre's website, receive a newsletter and occasional access to exclusive member merchandise.

The founders' circle is the highest membership level, and starts at $10,000.

"The goal is to really engage as many Islanders as we can," Bellamy said. "We wantto see everybody a member at some level whether that is buying a ticket to one show, or giving what you can give annually."

In August the federal government announcedcentrewill receive extra funding over the next two years. ButBellamy said donations and support from the public are also important.

According to the Confederation Centre, just over $1 million 8.4 per cent of total operating revenue for 2018-19 came from fundraising efforts,including donations, sponsorship and donations from the Confederation Centre of the Arts Foundation.

Federal grants were $3,445,395 28.3 per cent of operating revenue and provincial grants were $925,000 7.6 per cent of operating revenue.

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