Lights – Camera – Action! Marathon Theatre & Cultural Centre Grand Re-Opening

Written by Town of Marathon on 25 May 2013

Thunder Bay -Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle (left) and Mayor Rick Dumas address those in attendance at the Grand Re-Opening of the Marathon Theatre and Cultural Centre May 22nd, 2013. Submitted photo

Grand-reopening of Theatre made possible by OTF grant

MARATHON, ON– The Marathon Theatre & Cultural Centre celebrated today the grand-reopening by hosting MPP Michael Gravelle and other dignitaries and ushering a new era of theatre and film in the community. Thanks in part to a $75,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, there was much to celebrate as the town held a ribbon cutting ceremony in honour of the grand re-opening. “I’m absolutely delighted to be here today to help launch the evolution of the Marathon Theatre and Cultural Centre and I’m pleased the Ontario Trillium Foundation has made this investment in modernizing the Centre’s equipment. From arts, culture and entertainment to local history and sports, there will truly be something for everyone to enjoy, experience and learn. I applaud the Collaborative for its creative approach and look forward to future events here at the Centre!” – Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North

Mayor Dumas (left) and MPP Michael Gravelle take their seats, along side other dignitaries and members of the media, at the Marathon Theatre re-opening, to enjoy a film by a Thunder Bay Filmmaker. Submitted photo

The OTF grant has allowed the Centre to be outfitted with new digital equipment, screen and surround sound system. Faced with the financial challenge of moving with the film industry to convert to a digital format, a collaborative consisting of the Town of Marathon, the Marathon Library, the Marathon & District Museum and Marathon Theatre, was formed. The collaborative envisioned an underutilized theatre facility being used for enhanced and important cultural, artistic, historical and sport-related programming, training and education for the benefit of the community and region. “We are extremely relieved that the Marathon Theatre & Cultural Centre will continue to operate. The lasting impact will be a multi-purpose cultural facility unique, but critical, to small Northern Ontario communities. We are thankful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s commitment to enhanced cultural and artistic opportunities in our community.” – Ray Lake, Councillor and Member of the Collaborative A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. LEARN MORE