Former Church set to begin new lease on life as a Community Theatre

Since moving into a former Ukrainian Catholic Church in 2014, a Winnipeg couple has strived to make a positive impact on their community of Point Douglas.

Whether that’s by providing food for families going through hard times, or taking in elderly or neglected animals. And now they are aiming to create a cultural hub for Winnipeg’s art scene, by transforming this former church, into a community theatre. 

“I really believe that you have to take your little corner of the world, wherever it is, and make it better,” said Kelly Hughes, an artistic director at Valiant Theatre.

“Back in the day there used to be all kinds of places for artists and musicians and it has just been dwindling and it’s not getting any better so it really seemed like the time was now.”

In its 120 plus years, the church on the corner of Logan and Fountain Street has served many purposes. If Kelly Hughes and his partner Andy have their way, its latest chapter will serve as an inclusive space for music, art, and theatre.

“It’s not someplace where people have their back to you, everybody is here to see you, to listen to you and I think that is wonderful.”

Dubbed the Valiant Theatre, Hughes hopes they can give aspiring artists a space where they can freely explore their creative spirit.

“I love to give them an opportunity to experiment, and to do something that maybe is not going to make me rich or make them rich but there is a place here for them to do it.”

Over the next coming weeks and months, Hughes plans to add a wheelchair ramp and additional fire exits to bring the historic structure to code, in the hopes of hosting a grand opening before the end of 2024. 

“I’d love to be open in the fall and you know have some dancers swinging from the ceilings and whatever people want to do.”

To date, the fundraiser has raised over $13,000, towards their $100,000 goal. Those wishing to donate can do so at the Valiant Theatre’s GoFundMe.