New Venue ‘The Scene’ Opens in Downtown Victoria for Artists

UPDATE: A new creative hub has officially opened its doors in downtown Victoria, providing artists with a much-needed performance and rehearsal venue. The Scene, located at 716 Johnson St., debuted to enthusiastic applause, promising to invigorate the local arts scene.

“We’re thrilled to open our doors and welcome Victoria’s creative scene,” stated Matthew Payne, executive and artistic director of Other Guise Theatre. The venue aims to be a “safe and brave space” for artistic expression and collaboration, enhancing community engagement through the arts.

The Scene is currently hosting an immersive haunted house experience titled “Haunted Deli,” running from October 22 to November 1. Adding to the excitement, live music will be featured on October 30, 31, and November 1 from the band MEATDRAW. Following this, another immersive event, “Labyrinth,” will take over the venue in November, showcasing the diversity of performances available.

The journey to launching The Scene was not without obstacles. Discussions for the venue commenced in December 2021, leading to the purchase of the property a year later. Securing funding proved challenging, as a critical $250,000 grant from the City of Victoria was denied in a January 16 vote, creating pressure to expedite the project. Payne remarked at the time, “It sure feels like the clock is ticking now.”

However, just a week later, the theatre company successfully petitioned for a reduced grant of $100,000. Despite initial opposition from three councillors, the motion passed, allowing the project to move forward.

The Scene is more than just a performance venue; it is available for various rentals, including conferences, workshops, and private events. This flexibility aims to unite artists and audiences in a collaborative environment, fostering a thriving cultural landscape in Victoria.

As the arts community embraces this new space, all eyes are on The Scene to see how it will shape the future of creative expression in downtown Victoria. With its immediate events and ongoing rental opportunities, this venue is set to become a pivotal part of the local arts scene.

Stay tuned for updates as The Scene continues to develop and host exciting events that promise to engage and inspire the community.