5144-51 Street, Box 7673
Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1S8
Phone: 780-898-7933
E-mail: epac@me.com
Website: theepac.com
The Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre came into existence in 2006, following a resolution by Drayton Valley Town Council to purchase the historic Cardium Theatre. The Cardium Theatre was originally built in Drayton Valley, in 1956 – one of the first buildings to grace the streets of this rural Alberta community. It operated as a family-run movie theatre for 50 years, until, in 2006, plans arose to introduce a new multi-plex theatre in the town. The community recognized the opportunity to not only save and restore this historic landmark, but to also make an investment in the town and the arts.
The Centre is named for Eleanor Pickup, a pillar of the Drayton Valley community who passed away in 2006.
The Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre is a revitalized venue for the performing arts in Drayton Valley and surrounding Brazeau County. The EPAC Society, established to operate the Centre, encourage greater participation in the performing arts both locally and throughout the province and preserve the history and heritage of a local landmark.
The Centre provides space for a wide range of activities including performing arts such as music, drama and dance, festivals, fundraisers, and municipal, church or organization meetings and gatherings. The historical context of the Cardium Theatre has been retained, as the façade is updated to create a true focal point in downtown Drayton Valley. The volunteer-based Society encourages the community to become involved inits plans to continue to expand the facility and its services.
