The freedom to dream

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This article was published 25/09/2017 (3149 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s curious that Ginette Lavack basically only has to cross Provencher Boulevard to get to her new office.

It’s curious because, by comparison, the St. Boniface resident has already made a massive cultural footprint in her work with Festival du Voyageur during the last seven years.

Last month, it was announced that Lavack was leaving her position as executive director of Festival du Voyageur and taking up the role of executive director of the Centre culturel franco-manitobain. Lavack’s first day in her new position was Sept. 18.  

Festival’s office is at 233 Provencher Blvd. and CCFM is based at 340 Provencher Blvd.

“The opportunity was there and available,” said Lavack, who was talking to The Lance recently, during her last week at Festival.

“I’ve been at Festival du Voyageur for seven years, and I feel I’ve given a lot and accomplished many things here, and this is now an opportunity for me to grow professionally.”

“CCFM is a wonderful site, and perhaps a little undervalued, so I’m hoping to help infuse a new energy, and undertake a new strategic plan and create a new vision. This is a competitive space, and there are all kinds of events happening in town. If you want to attract the public, I think you need to strive to stand out. This is going to be a lot of work, but it’s an exciting challenge. I’m looking forward to getting to know the team and see how far we can push each other,” Lavack, who was raised in Norwood Flats, added.

Lavack said CCFM plays an important role in the community, and she hopes its reach can become even greater.

“It’s existed for more than 40 years, and it’s not just for the French community in St. Boniface, because English-speaking Canadians are also attracted to French culture. The centre hosts a variety of cultural events, and is a leader in the cultural sector. It’s an exciting time with the province undertaking a cultural review, as we all have ideas about the role governments can play in cultural sector, and I think CCFM can play a lead role in this,” she said.

Of course, Lavack’s departure is bittersweet because of what she’s leaving behind on the north side of Provencher.

“In terms of a legacy, I hope I’ve helped raise the profile of Festival du Voyageur. The team here is tremendous, and they’ve shared my vision here and my road map and people have bought into it,” Lavack said.

“I’ve always given people autonomy to develop, and together we’ve helped each other grow and develop. I certainly saw from the get-go that investment in people and the product were priorities. And I do like to build a consensus, whenever possible, and give people the freedom to dream as it’s amazing what people can come up with.”

In a news release, Festival’s board president Simon Normandeau said the organization has grown significantly under Lavack’s stewardship, not least because of her passion, leadership and vision.

“For the past seven years, Ginette has been the voice and the face of Festival. Her passion, as well as her great leadership, lead Festival to new heights,” Normandeau said.    

Go online at ccfm.mb.ca for more information.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com