Executive Spotlight
As Western Canada’s largest theatre company, operating three venues and staging upwards of 20 productions annually—each one with different needs—it’s important to have an insurance provider that understands our work and supports us in creating magic for our patrons. That’s why we are so grateful to BFL CANADA Risk & Insurance Services Inc. for their unwavering support as both a supporter and as our insurance partner.
Our long history with BFL Canada is thanks to the extraordinary support and advocacy from Brenda Mendieta, VP, Client Executive. Brenda has been attending the Arts Club since the Seymour Street days and recalls watching the original cast of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. She loved the plays so much that it propelled her to call Bill Millerd—former Artistic Managing Director—to offer to work with us as our insurance partner. And from that moment, a long-standing relationship was born.
I love everything about the Arts Club, from the shows to the people. The range of shows that the Arts Club produces is wonderful, from the powerful messages in Forgiveness to the hilarity of Boeing-Boeing, there is something for everyone. I love it all! —Brenda Mendieta
When Brenda moved to BFL Canada in 2005, the Arts Club followed, and in the nearly 20-year history our partnership has continued to grow.
We love the visibility in the community that our partnership provides. It’s also wonderful to see clients who have turned into ticket buyers and subscribers because they attended a performance with BFL and enjoyed it so much. —Brenda
BFL’s commitment to the Arts Club has grown. Initially, they would host groups of clients at plays through a Performance Host Sponsorship. Later, BFL supported our annual corporate event. Then, for at least 10 years, BFL sponsored our largest annual fundraiser—the California Wine Fair. Even during the pandemic, BFL never wavered and inspired others to give by providing a gift for a matching campaign.
When we were ready to start hosting in person events once more, BFL was there as Presenting Sponsor of our Signature Dinner Series. Now, we are thrilled to share that they are the Diamond Sponsor of our Diamond Celebration, a gala and performance celebrating the Arts Club’s 60th anniversary.
As a not-for-profit charity, community support is integral to the lifeblood of our organization. Support from BFL Canada is one of the reasons we have reached this celebratory anniversary, so it is only fitting that we take a step into the next 60 years with them by our side.
Reflecting on the Arts Club’s 60th anniversary, Brenda highlights why she believes it’s important that BFL is involved in this celebration:
For 60 years, the Arts Club has not only been delighting us with entertaining and professional shows, but making sure the acting craft in Vancouver flourishes by offering youth and adult education programs and providing various funding opportunities for current artists. Through their playwriting and play development programs and Silver Commissions funding program, they ensure that brand new plays are being created. I am so proud to have the Arts Club in our city—their 60 years of storytelling is definitely a cause for celebration! It is important for all of us that it continues.
The Arts Club Theatre Company is so grateful to have the steadfast and generous support of BFL Canada. As both leaders in our industries, we are dedicated to making a difference in the local arts community by fostering creativity. It is clear that BFL cares deeply for the communities in which it operates and we commend BFL Canada for its outstanding commitment to arts and culture in the City of Vancouver.
Past Executive Spotlight: CMHC Granville Island
Together, CMHC and the Arts Club Theatre Company are dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and culture environment that exists on and within Granville Island.
Past Executive Spotlight: RBC Foundation
Together, RBC and the Arts Club Theatre Company are devoted to nurturing the next generation of young professionals.