A renewed partnership between Brock University and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) will continue to give student artists opportunities to learn and perform in professional spaces.

After a decade of collaboration, Brock and the PAC have signed a new five-year agreement that will maintain access to the PAC’s world-class facilities for students in the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

For fourth-year Music student and clarinetist Laurie Eddy, learning, rehearsing and performing at the PAC has transformed his Brock experience.

“Attending masterclasses in the Recital Hall and practising on the same stage that we perform concerts on is very meaningful,” he says. “Learning in a professional setting trains you for the performance environment — what it feels like to have all those stage lights on you and the difference in elevation — it’s not something you can get a true feel for in a small studio.”

Eddy plays in the Brock University Wind Ensemble, sings tenor in the Brock University Choir and is thrilled to continue performing on the Recital Hall stage as part of the RBC Foundation Music@Noon Concert Series.

As he prepares for a career in music theory and performance, he says the connection between art and community will remain one of his most important lessons.

“The more time I spend here, the more I realize that arts and community are inextricable — you can’t have one without the other,” he says. “I am grateful to feel so deeply connected to everyone in our arts community; not just my classmates and professors but also the incredible PAC staff, volunteers and audience members. Knowing I have all their support when I step on stage is something I will always carry with me.”

Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg says the renewed partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to arts education and a flourishing cultural sector in Niagara.

“Creativity is woven into Brock’s identity. We believe deeply in the power of the arts to transform people and reimagine the future. Working alongside our partners at the PAC, we will deliver a world-class arts education while strengthening our impact in the community,” Rigg says.

PAC CEO Colleen A. Smith says the renewed partnership demonstrates what is possible when municipal, institutional and community partners work together to create meaningful opportunities through the arts.

“Great communities are built through great partnerships. We are proud to provide students with opportunities to learn, create and perform in a professional environment, while welcoming their creativity and energy into the life of the PAC and downtown St. Catharines. Renewing and deepening our partnership with Brock creates a strong foundation for what we can continue to build together for students, artists and our community,” Smith says.

The RBC Foundation Music@Noon concert series will continue in the PAC’s Recital Hall every Tuesday at noon from September to April. A longtime fixture in downtown St. Catharines, the free series is sponsored by the RBC Foundation and features Brock faculty, students and alumni alongside special guests.

Select classes from across MIWSFPA will take place in the PAC’s Film House, which will also host the school’s Walker Cultural Leader series. The 2026-27 public artist talks will feature celebrated visual artist Marigold Santos and Juno-nominated composer Vincent Ho, among others.