The Bob and Dorothy Rowledge Fund at Nanaimo Foundation honors the enduring legacy of the late Bob Rowledge, while celebrating the ongoing commitment of Dorothy Rowledge to the arts. Established in memory of Mr. Rowledge, who dedicated years of service as a volunteer for the Mid-Island Performing Arts Festival, this fund will support the Festival’s endeavors with an annual grant.

Established in 1928, the annual Mid-Island Performing Arts Festival (formerly the Upper Island Musical Festival) has a rich history as a cornerstone of Nanaimo’s music and arts scene. Over the decades, it has provided a platform for countless performers to showcase their talents in music, drama, and dance.

A significant contributor to the Festival’s success has been Dorothy Rowledge, who dedicated 60 years of her time and service to its events, with Bob’s support. Bob and Dorothy’s shared passion for nurturing local talent and fostering artistic excellence remains a vibrant force in our community, uplifting performers and enriching cultural experiences in Nanaimo for years to come.

Among many other volunteer positions across various community service organizations in Nanaimo, Mr. Rowledge was a founding board member of Nanaimo Foundation.

We invite those who share our dedication to supporting the arts to contribute to the Bob and Dorothy Rowledge Fund and help us continue their legacy of cultural enrichment.