A New General Manager for River Run Centre

From Arts in Guelph - March/April, 2007

by Anna Contini

Mississauga Living Arts Centre's loss has become Guelph River Run Centre's gain. In February 2007, Colleen Clack was hired as River Run's new General Manager, overseeing all operations and programming of the Centre. Having served as the Manager of Performing Arts at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga since 2001, she currently resides in Mississauga with her husband Craig and two daughters, but plans to relocate to Guelph this summer with her family. Clack replaces Rob Mackay who was promoted in August to be the city's manager of recreation and culture.

One of Clack's imminent goals is "connect with the local arts community." She says she is respectful of the fact that she is "an outsider" and wants to meet with as many people and arts organizations as possible to get a better feel for the local environment. She says that she also feels that it is important for her to live in the same community in which she is working - hence her decision to relocate.

Another priority for Clack will be finding a balance between showcasing local talent and bringing in big name performances. "We don't want people to have to travel outside the city for an arts experience; yet at the same time we must make use of our own wealth of talent," she says. Clack also points out the importance of ethnically diverse programming as well as programming that is demographically targeted, such as shows for seniors and children. "I'm a strong believer that what's being presented on stage should reflect the local community," she contends.

Clack was born in Toronto and spent her formative years in Woodstock. She has a degree in music and arts administration from the University of Waterloo. A co-op program landed her a position at the Living Arts Centre where she got her first job as programming co-ordinator at the facility before it opened in 1997. Interestingly, the Living Arts Centre is comparable in size to the River Run and will also be celebrating a tenth anniversary this year.

Clack believes that a milestone anniversary is a perfect opportunity to take a step back and re-evaluate. River Run opened in 1997 and celebrates its decade anniversary this October. "In order to be successful, a performing arts facility needs to be constantly re-evaluating its goals and priorities," she says, adding that she is very excited about coming on board at this time. After 11 years at the Mississauga facility, she says she was ready for a change. Moving to Guelph is something she's wanted to do for some time. "I'm eager to immerse myself into the arts and culture, and am looking forward to being a part of the wonderful sense of community that defines Guelph," says Clack.