Conexus Arts Centre
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The Conexus Arts Centre, formerly known from 1970 till 2006 as the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts, is a theatre complex located within Wascana Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan. Constructed to commemorate Canada's centenary in 1967, it was opened by Governor General Roland Michener on August 24, 1970 to serve southern Saskatchewan as a centre for performing arts and exhibitions.
The building, designed by Izumi, Arnott, and Sucijama, is an Estevan brick and Manitoba Tyndall stone structure which houses Main Theatre (seating 2033), formerly known as Shirley Bell Theatre; Convention Hall (seating 1600), previously known as Doris Knight Hall, Hanbidge Hall and Jubilee Theatre; and various conference rooms and lobby display areas. Main Theatre, with three balconies, has a large stage whose front lowers hydraulically to form an orchestra pit for 100 musicians. The centre is the home of the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
Although the building was intended as a Canadian centennial project for 1967, it was not opened until August 24, 1970 at a cost of $7.7 million. The reason for the delay was due to an overheated construction industry and rising construction costs. With additional finances unavailable, the steel structure sat for almost two years with a large sign in front posted by local wags, "world's largest monkey bars"; ultimately it was completed after drastic reductions in the original plans, replacing the called-for Vermont marble with Estevan brick, among other cutbacks.
Located within Wascana Centre, the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts was renamed the Conexus Arts Centre on January 5, 2006 when the Conexus Credit Union took over the underwriting of part of its operating budget. The Centre is useful for meetings, special events, seminars, trade shows, receptions and banquets; it alternates hosting duties for Telemiracle with TCU Place (formerly the Centennial Auditorium) in Saskatoon.
