The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts opened in 1995. The Shadbolt Centre was named after two Burnaby residents who dedicated a lifetime of support and cultivation of the arts locally, nationally and internationally. Doris and Jack Shadbolt resided in Burnaby for over 50 years until Jack's death in November 1998. Doris Shadbolt spent her life's work bringing the artist and the audience closer together through her writing and curatorial work. Jack Shadbolt was an internationally recognized Canadian painter. He was also an author and both received many awards including the Order of Canada. In keeping with the Shadbolts' generosity the arts, Jack Shadbolt donated two of his paintings to the Centre for permanent display.
"Art Reach" - Regional Arts Development Study; "Arts Management and Administration in BC" - Report; Hansard Excerpts - " Estimates: Ministry of Tourism, Recreation and Culture