The Portage and District Arts Centre has a new board chair. Hope Buset says when she first came to Portage a few years ago, she was so pleased to discover the wonderful Arts Centre we have that she immediately wanted to get involved. Buset notes she's been on the board for two years and just took over the reins as chairperson about a week ago. She says the arts were a big part of her upbringing, thanks to her parents who always encouraged her and her four siblings to be creative. Buset notes she enjoys dabbling in pottery but doesn't really consider herself an artist, adding she does, however, greatly appreciate the value of art in the community.

She says Portage should be really proud of what we have here, with a fantastic art gallery, a phenomenal theatre, and amazing artists all across the region. Buset notes one thing they're trying to do at PDAC is to really listen to the community to find out what people are looking for and then deliver that type of programming. She adds they can always do better, but they have an excellent foundation which comes through the hard work of their staff, through their artists and through the many volunteers who really help make it a strong organization.

Buset says she's very excited to have this opportunity, noting the Portage and District Arts Centre has a lot of new things they're considering for the upcoming year. She adds she's open to hearing everyone's new ideas and is looking forward to the entire experience.