Brampton is creative now!
Brampton is a place where culture vibrates and community inspires. Where people want to live, learn, grow and connect. Our passion and creativity will create a strong cultural ecosystem, fostering innovation and investment. It’s all happening. NOW.
The City of Brampton recently announced the appointment of Steven Schipper as the new Executive Artistic Director of The Rose Theatre, a keystone of Brampton’s vibrant and diverse cultural community. Steven Schipper will officially join The Rose in June 2019, following a longstanding and celebrated 30 years at the helm of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (Royal MTC), from which he will retire at the end of the 2018-19 season. In his new post as a member of the City of Brampton’s Economic Development and Cultural Services, Steven will play an integral role in helping to shape the City’s cultural and arts identity.
The announcement comes as Brampton undergoes immense growth and major transformation. In May 2018, Brampton City Council unanimously endorsed a bold new plan for the city through the Brampton 2040 Vision, creating a roadmap to become a future-ready model city for livability, sustainability and creativity. The City’s new Culture Master Plan was also introduced this year, with many initiatives already underway. Current projects include a refresh to the Public Art program, and renovating and upgrading cultural establishments such as the Cyril Clark Library Hall and Lester B. Pearson Theatre to attract more events to the city.
As one of the country’s longest serving artistic directors, Steven Schipper is credited with enhancing the Royal MTC’s artistry, and for developing a new base of audience members and donors. During his 30-year tenancy, he was responsible for bringing world premieres to the Royal MTC.
He drew global attention to Winnipeg’s arts scene by attracting marquee productions such as Hamlet, starring movie star Keanu Reeves, and the sold-out run of the Junkyard Dog/ Mirvish production of Come From Away before it headed to Toronto; and made it a point to support local actors and playwrights. Steven also helped grow the Winnipeg Fringe Festival into one the largest of its kind in the country. He initiated the Master Playwright Festival dedicated to giving local theatre companies the chance to stage plays by a designated playwright, and provided opportunities to engage diverse audiences and arts organizations. He worked with members of the Aboriginal Arts Training and Mentorship Program bringing award-winning plays to Manitoba high schools.
Steven was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2012 for his contributions to Canadian theatre and received two Honorary Doctorates, one from the University of Winnipeg and the other from the University of Manitoba. For more information about The Rose Theatre please click here.
