Victoria arts venue closure has people wondering what’s next [Video]

After 21 years hosting concerts, drag shows, dance parties and more, the non-profit Victoria Event Centre (VEC) says it can no longer make rent and has to close. 

The venue, located on the second story of a building in downtown Victoria, B.C., had been getting rent subsidies from its landlord — but those subsidies were set to end, and the centre couldn’t manage the substantial rent hike that was coming. 

Chris Fretwell, the centre’s interim executive director, said they have been overwhelmed with positive messages since they made the announcement.

He told CBC Victoria he’s proud of the work VEC did to make sure its space was accessible and to provide a venue for underrepresented and up-and-coming artists. 

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“I think it’s getting tougher and tougher for artists to find supportive spaces in the city,” said Fretwell. 

Carol-Lynn Michaels called the closure “a huge, huge loss.”

The former VEC board member runs a monthly storytelling eventat the centre, …