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Connecting the diverse arts in Iroquois Falls & area through support, partnerships & promotion.
Connecting the diverse arts in Iroquois Falls & area through support, partnerships & promotion.
A Brief History of the Iroquois Falls Arts Council
The original Iroquois Falls Arts Council was formed and incorporated in 1988, under the leadership of energetic volunteer Marie Boyle. The main goal of the IFAC at that time was to get a community auditorium built inside the existing local secondary school, which was scheduled to undergo extensive renovations. Marie rallied the stakeholders: the school boards, both French and English; Town Council; the major employer, Abitibi Price; the provincial government; and the federal government. The Arts Council's goal was achieved in 1992, when the newly constructed auditorium opened its doors for the first time, with a concert by the Moe Koffman Quintet. In recognition of Marie's hard work, the newly constructed auditorium was named the Marie and Dr. Michael Boyle Community Auditorium.
Throughout the '90s, the IFAC was busy filling the 385 seats of the auditorium. There were performances for children and adults, in both French and English. However, as so often occurs, the small group of dynamic and dedicated volunteers got tired. Sadly, Marie passed away. Around the year 2000, the IFAC quietly went dormant. The corporation was never dissolved. The bank account was never closed.
In 2015, local resident Louis Decaire discovered that a small balance of money that had once belonged to the IFAC had been transferred to the Bank of Canada as a dormant account. "We must bring that money back to Iroquois Falls," said Louis. The decision was made to re-establish the IFAC.
A view of the 385-seat Marie and Dr. Michael Boyle Community Auditorium, located inside
Iroquois Falls Secondary School.
In 2017, a steering committee was formed, tasked with reviving the IFAC from its dormancy. A community survey went out, asking residents what they wanted from their 'revived' arts council. A successful Open House was held for the community in October 2018, letting residents know what the IFAC hoped to offer.
In February 2019, after an almost 20-year hiatus, the Iroquois Falls Arts Council was formally re-established. The Vision Statement is now broader, “To foster a community that embraces the arts.” The new IFAC emphasizes education in art-related matters, advancing appreciation of the arts and participation in the arts in their diverse forms.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IFAC worked on becoming a CRA Registered Charity. That goal was achieved in June, 2022.
The Iroquois Falls Arts Council continues to provide various events for residents of the community, such as workshops, art exhibitions and live performances. Several signature events happen annually, such as the Winter Carnival Snow Sculpture Contest, the Canada Day Raffle for a basket of items handmade by local artisans, and the Rosewood Avenue Christmas Concert.
A brand new project under the umbrella of the IFAC is called Showtime Iroquois Falls, a Performance Series for Children. The inaugural season will run from September 2025 to May 2026. The series will consist of four performances for children, focusing on four forms of art: music, dance, theatre and puppetry.
Thanks to many dedicated volunteers, the Iroquois Falls Arts Council continues to grow and become more established in the community. The IFAC is well on its way to achieve its vision of fostering a community that embraces the arts.
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