Hands-on Experience

UFV’s partnership with Chilliwack Cultural Centre fuels arts education

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The School of Creative Arts at UFV has created a remarkable theatre experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world performance through a meaningful partnership with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. This collaboration offers students the unique opportunity to work in both a close-knit theatre environment and the larger, professional-scale stage of a renowned arts venue—a blend that amplifies their skills, confidence, and creative expression.

UFV’s Black Box Theatre on the Abbotsford campus is an intimate space, seating around 40 to 50 people, where students can experiment and connect closely with audiences. Shelley Liebembuk, Director of the School of Creative Arts and Associate Professor, calls it “a perfect lab for experimentation, where students are encouraged to interact with their audience and explore their craft.” This year, after the opening week of performances in this intimate setting, the students tour both their fall and winter productions to the 160-seat Rotary Hall at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre (CCC). This experience allows students to tackle new challenges, from managing sound and lighting for a bigger space to actors projecting their performances for a broader audience.

“I’m really looking forward to going to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre! I’m also really excited because its going to be in front of a big audience. Its going to be a super cool and fun experience!”, says Marie Brideau, production class student working as the Stage Manager for The Paper Bag Princess.

The success of this partnership is due in large part to the vision of Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s Executive Director, Jean-Louis Bleau. Liebembuk notes that Bleau has been “an amazing collaborator, welcoming our students with open arms and investing in their growth as future artists.”

The School of Creative Arts continues to enrich its programs, expanding student access to diverse training environments, mentorship, and pathways for careers both on and off the stage. “The students are working with professional technology, so when they graduate, they’re ready for anything,” adds Giuseppe Condello, Production Manager of the Theatre Program. Condello explains that UFV’s equipment aligns closely with that at CCC’s Rotary Hall, so students are well-prepared to adapt to the new venue.

One exciting result of this partnership is the TakeOver festival, where UFV arts practicum students curate a one-day festival at Rotary Hall. This unique opportunity came from Bleau’s own idea of empowering students to take ownership of the space. “It’s a rare experience for students to plan and execute a full festival,” Liebembuk shares. “It gives them real-world experience in arts management and production.”

Through this partnership, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and UFV are creating a powerful learning pathway that bridges education and the arts industry. Thanks to Bleau’s support and UFV’s School of Creative Arts’ innovative approach, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and community connection that prepare them to make their mark on the arts.

Roots of Knowledge: Stories That Shape Our Learning

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Roots of Knowledge: Stories That Shape Our Learning

In the heart of our university, where stories of heritage and identity intertwine, a program stands out for its deep impact on students and the broader community. The Power and Place program is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a journey of discovery and reconciliation. Today, we spotlight Meghan Hilton, one of our remarkable students whose experience in this program has been nothing short of transformative.

“I was motivated to enrol in the Power and Place program as I am a Metis student studying Indigenous Studies,” shares Meghan, currently in her final year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at UFV. The decision to join the program stemmed from a desire for an immersive, hands-on learning experience that would deepen her understanding of Indigenous studies.

As she recounts her journey, the passion and dedication to her studies are evident. When asked about a specific moment or lesson that deeply resonated with her, Meghan finds it challenging to pinpoint just one.

“It is challenging to pinpoint a single moment or lesson from the Power and Place program that resonated with me the most, as each class and lesson contributed uniquely and significantly to my understanding of Indigenous studies and Stó:lō history. Each lesson resonates differently with everyone, while providing support and guidance on how to apply this knowledge in meaningful ways in the world around us.”

When asked about the impacts of the Power and Place program and how she felt empowered to contribute to genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities, Meghan says:

“The Power and Place program has given me the tools I need to positively contribute to reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and settler communities. Through this program, I have gained a deep and complex understanding of Canadian Indigenous peoples’ history, cultures, and worldviews. Thanks to the intensive program structure I feel more prepared to advocate for Indigenous peoples’ rights and facilitate respectful conversations about these topics. Through engagement with real-world scenarios and case studies, we as students have gained a greater awareness of the structural challenges and injustices that many face. Additionally, community engagement and collaboration are prioritized in the program’s approach to complex problems. Respecting the knowledge and experiences of Indigenous peoples, you learn to collaborate in a way that prioritizes and encourages culturally appropriate efforts.”

For those considering enrolling in the Power and Place program, Meghan’s advice is both heartfelt and practical.


“I would advise students who are considering enrolling in the Power and Place program to make the commitment. I advise approaching every lesson and class discussion with an open mind and an intent to participate wholeheartedly. The Power and Place program is a life-changing opportunity that engages students in an immersive learning environment and teaches many skills necessary to support efforts towards truth and reconciliation in a good way.”

As we celebrate the stories of students like Meghan, we are reminded of the power of education to transform lives and bridge communities. The Power and Place program continues to be a beacon of hope and understanding, shaping the next generation of advocates for truth and reconciliation.

Cultivating Creativity and Shaping Chilliwack’s Arts Scene: Jean-Louis Bleau and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Jean-Louis Bleau is a versatile professional whose career has woven through various roles in the arts sector. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, his journey encompasses experiences as an arts administrator, music artistic director, professional conductor, and university educator. Beyond his professional achievements, Jean-Louis finds inspiration in sailing, running, and other water-related sports, activities that ground him and fuel his creativity.

“My motivation to pursue a career in the creative arts sector is rooted in my experiences and professional journey.  As an arts administrator and artistic director, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that the arts can have on individuals and communities. The ability to spark creativity, facilitate collaboration, and drive cultural development has been incredibly fulfilling.”

At the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, Jean-Louis oversees a diverse range of programs aimed at enriching the cultural fabric of the community. His dedication stems from a desire to create meaningful experiences, support emerging talents, and contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape.

“Working here has allowed me to curate diverse and engaging programs, which has only deepened my commitment to this field,” he adds.

One of the highlights of Jean-Louis’s tenure has been his involvement with practicum students from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).

“Supervising practicum students in a student-led festival has been a deeply rewarding experience. These exceptional students were proactive and required only minimal guidance.”

The TakeOver Festival was a student-led festival that has proven instrumental in engaging the community through unique performances, enhancing cultural offerings, and strengthening ties with local residents. Through hands-on involvement, students gained practical experience in organizing and executing major events, refining their skills in project management, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.

“This experience not only provides them with a platform to showcase their talents but also builds confidence in their abilities, essential for their professional development,” he emphasizes.

Reflecting on the impact on the organization and the community, Jean-Louis highlights the benefits of integrating student perspectives and innovations into their programming.

“For our organization, it brings fresh ideas and enriches our events. For the community, it fosters an inclusive environment where emerging talents are celebrated, and diverse voices are heard. Witnessing the diversity of plays and films, feeling the energy in the lobby, and marvelling at the talents of the performers was a fantastic and inspiring experience,” Jean-Louis concludes.

Bridging Psychology & Criminal Justice: Logan York’s Practicum with Correctional Service of Canada

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Logan York is a recent BA graduate in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Originally from Red Deer, Alberta, Logan found his way to British Columbia, where he has lived most of his life and began shaping his career aspirations.

Logan’s fascination with psychology grew from a lifelong curiosity about human behaviour, particularly in understanding criminal behaviour.

“I’ve always had a fascination for psychology. More than that, I’ve always been interested in why people behave or act in certain ways. (…) I have always wanted to know why criminals commit serious crimes. Crimes that ordinary people would find unfathomable. These curiosities are the foundation of why I chose a BA in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice.”

Envisioning a career working with individuals who end up in the judicial system, Logan’s academic journey took an exciting turn when he secured a practicum placement with the Correctional Service of Canada. During his semester-long placement, Logan had the opportunity to visit various correctional facilities throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, spanning from minimum to maximum security. Immersed in diverse environments, he gained a deeper understanding of each facility’s dynamics and worked closely with a wide range of working professionals. Stepping into the high-security environment of a prison was an impactful moment for him as it offered firsthand insight into the complexities of the correctional system.

Nonetheless, the journey presented its own set of obstacles. Logan found himself navigating the delicate balance of establishing boundaries within the confines of the prison walls. “Ensuring that I set appropriate boundaries between myself, and the inmates was a significant challenge,” he admits. Yet, through perseverance and determination, he learned the importance of maintaining both spatial and personal boundaries, a valuable lesson that shaped his experience.

Reflecting on his practicum experience within the correctional system, Logan remains inspired by the multitude of career opportunities it offers. “My practicum opened my eyes to the plethora of positions within Correctional Service Canada that I did not know existed,” he shares. As he thinks about his next steps, Logan’s career path remains open-ended, with a keen interest in working with offenders either within the Correctional Service of Canada or in the broader community.

For future students embarking on a similar journey, Logan offers some wise advice:

“If you have interests, explore them. You do not need to wait until you have chosen a career before exploring these interests. I would also recommend completing a practicum during your undergraduate degree as this was a defining moment for me during my time at UFV.”