Our 6th season of P.E.I. Presents has been very successful, bringing a wide variety of theatre, music, comedy and dance to our audience, and we are now busy preparing for the 2008 Charlottetown Festival. It will be a special year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables, on our stage and in our Art Gallery.  In addition to celebrating Anne, we will be telling the compelling story of Canadian legend Stompin’ Tom Connors at The Mack; presenting a contemporary Irish play, Stones in his Pockets at the Studio Theatre; entertaining audiences with our first sequel, British Invasion II: America Strikes Back! on the Mainstage; honouring Quebec with our popular Young Company presentation; and providing a variety of French programming and summer concerts.

The Art Gallery will extend its summer hours until 7:30 p.m. to allow our visitors an opportunity to view a variety of contemporary and historical exhibitions including photography, drawings, works from our extensive permanent collection and loans from other major galleries. A highlight of the summer will be Imagining Anne, an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Anne.

The Confederation Centre is also continuing to focus on youth programming with dance, theatre and visual arts camps. Arts Discovery Days have been very popular and provide an opportunity for school children to explore the Centre and take part in movement, theatre arts and visual arts activities.

The Confederation Centre continues to make its presence known across this country and beyond. In February, we presented An Extraordinary Symons Lecture: To Know Ourselves in Toronto, featuring Dr. Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada.  As well, our Confederation Centre Youth Chorus visits Washington, D.C. in April to perform in a number of venues.

We hope to see you at the Confederation Centre soon. Whether you are attending a show, visiting the Gallery, shopping at the Showcase or enjoying a meal or beverage at Mavor’s Bistro and Bar, we look forward to your visit.

David MacKenzie, CEO

April 2008