Victoria Event Centre

History

The Victoria Multicultural Society operates the Victoria Event Centre (VEC), located in downtown Victoria, Lekwungen Territory. Opening its doors in 2003, the VEC has quickly become a favourite venue for emerging artists and local community organizers.

Appreciated by producers and organizers for its versatility and affordability, the VEC has been home to countless shows that have brought theatre, comedy, burlesque, cultural performance, activism, and live music to the diversity of visitors who find their way into our venue. Atomic Vaudeville, Fringe Fest, Jazz Fest, and Rifflandia are a few of the productions that make regular use of our venue, and we host events seven days a week. To see a list of our upcoming shows, be sure to check out our events calendar.

The VEC has seen surges of hope and moments of despair throughout its colourful life. In 2016, a new board of directors set out to fix the leaking roof, make the venue accessible, renovate the bar, and ensure that the space was used to its fullest potential and fulfilling its mandate to support emerging artists and create a home for community organizers.

We are currently trying to piece together the people’s history of this building and the land in which it is on, and if you have any information, please email us. For now, there are a number of legends regarding the history of the building: 

  • It’s known that the immediate previous use of the space was as an all-ages club, named Club Hollywood.  They were the folks that brought in the infamous guitar bar, allegedly purchased from a Hard Rock Cafe and shipped to Victoria. 
  • Prior to that, the venue was a Legion; we’ve been told that there used to be a bowling alley in the basement at that time. 
  • Originally this building was used to construct horse-drawn carriages until a fire gutted the building. Allegedly the parkade next door is what used to be the horse stable. 

The land that this building was built on, and the territory we are in, is that of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people. 

Mission

Our mission is to produce arts and cultural events while working in partnership with local groups and individuals to develop and present new events and opportunities.  We strive to provide an affordable, flexible, and accommodating multi-purpose venue for arts and entertainment groups, cultural organizations and non-profit communities to hold performances, fundraisers, and cultural & community celebrations.

Values

  • Community-building
  • Supporting local arts and culture
  • Inclusiveness
  • Diversity
  • Integrity
  • Collaboration
  • Innovation
  • Empowerment
  • Professionalism & Excellent Customer Service
  • Freedom of Artistic/Creative Expression