Due to a decline in funding, the University of Victoria's prized Farquhar Auditorium has made changes to the 2024 to 2025 season and future programming.
According to the university, funding was declined for the presentation of Anda Union in March 2025. Caravan World Rhythms has since agreed to become the lead presenter and the performance will proceed as planned.
Due to "changes in provincial funding" by the BC Arts Council, the university has also cancelled the final performance of the season, V'ni Dansi, which was scheduled for June 2025 and was part of an initiative to showcase Indigenous artists called the Voices in Circle series.
Additionally, the Farquhar's director of ceremonies and events position, which includes oversight of the venue's presenting series, will be eliminated at the end of 2024. The position is currently filled by Ian Case, who has been with the Farquhar for 13 years.
"Following the conclusion of our 2024-25 season on April 25 with Sechile Sedare, the Farquhar will step back from its role as a presenter. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the venue will focus on core operations, prioritizing its continued role as an essential venue for the university and the broader community. In the new year, the Farquhar team will explore future opportunities for the venue's long-term sustainability and engagement," noted a news release from UVic.
Though the Farquhar will not host its own presentations, it will remain a hub for UVic's music facility, providing 20 hours of class use throughout the school term. Changes to the academic timetable in September 2024 have freed up rental availability, making it more accessible to external renters.
