Arts Revelstoke welcomes new artistic and executive director

This story is part of a feature that first appeared in print in Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine’s September 2022 issue. Read the entire e-edition here:

In Miriam Manley’s ten years with Arts Revelstoke as Artistic and Executive Director (AED), she has seen the organization more than double. This fall, Manley will move on from her position at the organization and assume the role of Executive Director for the British Columbia Touring Council. She leaves behind a legacy.

The organization has evolved since Manley took over to include a professional, full-time staff member team. Arts Revelstoke has built strong relationships with the City of Revelstoke and Tourism Revelstoke that have helped to ingrain Arts Revelstoke into the foundation of the community. As one of her first assignments with the organization, Manley implemented professional standards in the operation of the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre. As a result of the changes she made, Arts Revelstoke received federal funding to support the centre’s activities.

Miriam Manley File photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

Arts Revelstoke is the pulse of artistic diversity and inclusion for the city, and Manley has been a big part of the organization’s success. She is credited with the rebranding of the organization and its programming. In addition, Manley is the co-founder and curator of Luna Festival and Luna sound and is known for commissioning new artists and work.

“You see the value in what we do,” Manley says in an interview with Revelstoke Mountaineer staff. Arts Revelstoke has an established program. Residents have come to anticipate the year-round queue of events such as REVY.Live, Luna Festival, Guerilla Gigs, and Movies in the Mountain. The Art Alleries installations are testaments to the town’s culture and creativity — transforming ordinary allies into galleries and giving visitors a window into Revelstoke’s history and spirit.

It’s evident that Manley is leaving behind years of pure passion when asked about her favourite moments working with Arts Revelstoke. Manley recalls her favourite moments at Arts Revelstoke being some of the highlight performances at the performing arts centre. Hosting artists such as Spirit of the West and Corb Lund are some of Manley’s most memorable experiences. “They really stand out as being amazing shows that had sold-out audiences and that electric kind of atmosphere in the air where everyone’s just having an amazing time,” she says. “Then the other thing would obviously be Luna and Art Alleries, just being a part of that, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”

In her role at the BC Touring Council, Manley says she’s excited to work provincially with people, venues, and theatres across the province.

Arts Revelstoke’s new artistic and executive director

Daniel Bhattacharya will take over for Manley as Arts Revelstoke’s new AED. Bhattacharya is involved in the Arts as a musician, educator, administrator and Filmmaker. As a musician, Bhattacharya has performed on famous stages worldwide and worked on hundreds of soundtracks, including films such as Lord of the Rings, Black Panther, Dunkirk and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Daniel Bhattacharya is the new AED for Arts Revelstoke. Photo: contributed

Bhattacharya says his goals for the organization include encouraging different sectors of society to attend events they haven’t experienced and program events that appeal to a wide range of tastes. “The arts really should be for everyone, but it can only be so with strategic planning and communication,” he said in an email to Mountaineer staff.

Additionally, Bhattacharya says he’s intrigued by Revelstoke’s uniqueness and wants to use that to develop Arts Revelstoke. “I am interested to see what makes the people of Revelstoke proud to be from this community and what they would like to see reflected in this organization,” he says. “I would also like to attract artists who are not just coming for a single event but who would forge a lasting relationship with the town and its people.”

Bhattacharya says that Arts Revelstoke’s commitment to the community attracted him to the position. “Speaking to members of the board has shown me that there is a real commitment to the Arts and the community,” he explains. “This is so important [because] if we are not listening to the local community, then arts will not thrive.”