Ryan Donn.
Image Credit: Shawn Talbot
October 27, 2015 - 11:00 AM
LAKE COUNTRY - Who better to have as a cultural development coordinator than someone that is well known throughout the Okanagan as a performer, producer, promoter and cultural initiative creative director. Yes, we are talking about Ryan Donn. The addition of a cultural development coordinator position responsible for the coordination of the community theatre, open air performances, public art supervision, cultural and heritage events, and working with various community organizations was announced in September.
“We received over 75 applications and heard from a number of very qualified individuals,” said Holly Flinkman, Human Resources and Safety Manager. “After viewing some outstanding presentations from the final three short-listed candidates, we came to the conclusion that Ryan Donn was the best fit for the new staff role in Lake Country.”
Fostering and enhancing the growth of a culturally vibrant and creative municipality is a goal of Council as Lake Country becomes increasingly well-known for its desirable lifestyle in the fastest growing municipality in the province.
“The District of Lake Country is about to embark on a journey of discovery where the true potential of its cultural capacity will be allowed to flourish if guided properly,” said Ryan Donn. “I consider it an honour to be a part of this exciting time of transition in such a dynamic community.”
With the conclusion of the contract for Creekside Theatre manager, Horst Jassmann, at the end of the year; and the Open Air Performance Society founders’ vision for coordination of free concerts in the community parks as a municipal function; along with the need for single point of contact for arts and culture organizations in Lake Country, hiring someone with experience connecting with the creative community is vital. Donn has a comprehensive understand of the logistics and structure required to create successful cultural plans, festival initiatives and community buy-in. He has been the creative force behind the establishment of various cultural initiatives such as Parks Alive!, Pianos in Parks and New York New Years in Kelowna as well as Music in the Park and a World Music Festival in West Kelowna; and founded Creative Okanagan as a non-profit.
Ryan Donn will start in the position of cultural development coordinator for Lake Country mid-November so he can spend a number of weeks with Horst Jassmann at the Creekside Theatre to enable a smooth transition in the management of the community theatre.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015