Category: Art Scene

  • West Kootenay Regional Arts Council
    CKCA: APPLY NOW & JOIN US FOR A Q&A SESSION
    Do you have an idea for a project that focuses on arts and culture? Grants from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance could help. Apply by February 20, 2026, or March 6, 2026, depending on the program. Q&A sessions run online from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4; register now!Informational videos about each program are coming soon; follow us on Facebookor Instagram to learn when they’re posted.READ MORE
    PLAN AHEAD FOR CULTURE TOUR
    It’s time to start thinking about a warm summer weekend: the 2026 Culture Tour. Check out our new registration discount for WKRAC members and read our questions and tips to consider what your venue might be like. \
    MAKE THIS YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
    As the new year begins, it’s a great time to resolve to get even more in touch with what’s happening in arts, culture and heritage around the Columbia Basin. How? Follow us on social media! 

    INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKWANTED: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CURATOR
    VISAC Gallery in Trail is seeking an Executive Director and Curator to provide overall operational leadership, make day-to-day decisions and do long-term planning and execution of all aspects of operation. Apply by Jan. 15.

     READ MOREREAD MORE NEWS STORIES HEREBEHIND THE SCENESQ&A WITH DAVE RONALD, CKCA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERTo help arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin thrive, we rely on a dedicated team of board and steering committee members. Here, meet Dave Ronald, CKCA Steering Committee Member.

     READ MOREFEATURED IN ARTICULATEARTICULATE 2026 IS HERE!We’re excited to present the second annual edition of Articulate magazine! It’s your choice how to enjoy it:Pick up your print copy in one of hundreds of locations.Read the articles online.Read the issue in pdf format.

    SMALL TOWN SYNCHRONICITY:
    A MOVING CONTEMPLATION OF LIFE

    Be sure to check out the cover story about Nelson actor/producer Hiromoto Ida’s production of Vacant Lot, described by Ida as “Romeo and Juliet for seniors.” 

     READ MORESOPHIE BARBARICS AND ACACIA SCHACHTE:
    WORLD-CLASS TALENT DANCES INTO NELSON    Canada’s Acacia Schachte and Hungary’s Sophie Barbarics are bringing the skills they’ve honed in multiple countries to audiences in Nelson and area and, especially, to students eager to learn. 

    READ MOREONLINE EXCLUSIVE: MICHAEL HEPHER: BUSY HANDS, CALM MINDSMichael Hepher is a full-time artist, printmaker and writer living and working in Fernie. Every other month, he’ll be contributing his thoughts about life as a rural artist and the cultural scene in the East Kootenay. Check out his first column for us. 

    READ MOREREAD MORE ARTICULATE STORIES HERESELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONTHE KING OF SANDON BY GREG NESTEROFF BOOK LAUNCHThe King of Sandon: Murder, Myth, and the Man Behind B.C.’s Greatest Ghost Town is a full-length biography of John Morgan Harris, a mining magnate with a secret past and a complicated legacy. (Jan. 13, Nelson)

     READ MORESLOCAN WINTER CARNIVALBy donation at Expo Park in Slocan, this event includes performers like Hannah Claire and Animus Roving Fire Spinning, plus activities like a snowman-building competition and a biochar workshop. (Jan. 17, Slocan) 

    READ MORECREATIVE WRITING FOUR-WEEK COURSEDive deep into the fundamentals of storytelling, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills. (Starting Jan. 21, Revelstoke)

     READ MOREWORKSHOP: MÉTIS-STYLE BEADED LEATHER MITTENSLearn to bead and hand sew a pair of beautiful Métis/Indigenous-style mittens. Some experience hand and machine sewing is helpful, but enthusiasm will work too! (Starting Jan. 31, Fernie) READ MOREHELP US BOOST YOUR EVENTS!List your arts, culture and heritage events on our online calendar, so we can help spread the word! 

    READ MORESEE ALL EVENT LISTINGS HEREThank you to our funders:
  • West Kootenay Regional Arts Council
    APPLY NOW FOR ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS
    January 12, 2026
    [FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: COLUMBIA BASIN]

    People and organizations in the Columbia Basin that would like to pursue arts and culture projects are invited to apply for grants from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA). The application period is now open, with deadlines on February 20 or March 6, 2026, depending on the program.

    CKCA grants—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council—are available for all art disciplines, for both individuals and arts and culture organizations in the Basin.

    To learn more, visit wkartscouncil.com/ckca-funding. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to read full guidelines on the site and register for a question-and-answer session. Applications for all programs are submitted online.
     

    Denise Baughan, Chair, CKCA
    “Arts and culture play a vital role in strengthening our communities. The CKCA board is deeply grateful to Columbia Basin Trust for its continued support of the arts, and we look forward to reviewing this year’s grant submissions. It is always inspiring to see the remarkable talent that exists throughout the Basin.”

    Christine Nichol, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust
    “Arts and culture help people connect to place, to one another, and to the stories that shape our region. Through CKCA programs, artists and organizations are creating opportunities for communities across the Basin to come together, express themselves, and celebrate local talent. We’re proud to support this work and to partner with the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council in ensuring arts and culture continue to thrive throughout the Columbia Basin.”
     

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Lily Andersen
    Grants Officer / Operations Manager
    admin@wkartscouncil.com 
    250-352-2421 
  • West Kootenay Regional Arts Council
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    December 2025Artist credit: Lori BodykNEWSJOIN US FOR A CKCA Q&A SESSION
    Do you have an idea for a project that focuses on arts and culture? To learn more about grants from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, attend one of our online Q&A sessions. The program’s next intake opens January 12, 2026. READ MORE
    TODAY IS GIVING TUESDAYOn this special day (or any day), donate to WKRAC. By directing your contribution to Articulate magazine, you’ll be helping us maximize the coverage and reach of the best of what’s going on in arts, culture and heritage around the Columbia Basin. Monthly or one-time donations are welcome, of any amount—and we issue charitable receipts. DONATE NOWWE LOVE OUR MEMBERS!

    In recognition of the people and organizations that support us by becoming WKRAC members, we have implemented a new online member directory. Here are the folks that have opted in so far. READ MORECALL FOR ARTISTS

    Apply by Dec. 12 for this opportunity, in which Basin artists are paired with newcomers to Canada. You will then use your chosen medium to depict the unique challenges, triumphs and realities of the migration process. READ MOREREAD MORE NEWS STORIES HERE

    BEHIND THE SCENESQ&A WITH ELAINE WIGLE, CKCA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERTo help arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin thrive, we rely on a dedicated team of board and steering committee members. Here, meet Elaine Wigle, CKCA Steering Committee Member. READ MORE
    FEATURED IN ARTICULATEACTSAFE: CREATING SAFELY
    Behind every creation in the arts and entertainment industry in British Columbia lies an essential foundation: safety. How can your organization proceed while prioritizing safe practices? Doryan Mash from Actsafe Safety Association provides advice. READ MORE

    HOW ART AND COMMUNITY RECOVERY INTERSECT
    Deb Borsos is both a pastel artist and a community recovery specialist. We caught up with her for a conversation about how she views the interplay between creative work and the task of community recovery. READ MOREREAD MORE ARTICULATE STORIES HERE

    SELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONSTUDIO CONNEXION WINTER GROUP SHOWArt gifts are the type of presents that keep on giving. Discover fine artworks by more than 35 talented artists from across Canada. (ongoing to Dec. 23, Nakusp) READ MORE

    BASICS OF ANIMAL ILLUSTRATION: AGES 11–14Learn the basics of drawing from real life, taking inspiration from shelter animals and BC SPCA alumni. (Dec. 6, Castlegar) READ MORE

    IN RECENT MEMORY: NEW WORK FROM RECENT TRAVELSA one-day exhibit and sale of new pastel landscapes from travels over the last year by artist Deb Borsos of Argenta. (Dec. 6, Kaslo) READ MORE

    SALMO ARTVENTURE EXHIBITION & COMPETITIONThis show features painters, metal artists, wood artists, illustrators, glass artists, photographers and textile artists all vying for this year’s crown. (Jan. 10, Salmo) READ MORE

    HELP US BOOST YOUR EVENTS!List your arts, culture and heritage events on our online calendar, so we can help spread the word! READ MORESEE ALL EVENT LISTINGS HERE

    Thank you to our funders:FacebookInstagramWebsiteForward to a FriendCopyright © 2025 West Kootenay Regional Arts Council, All rights reserved.
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    West Kootenay Regional Arts CouncilPO Box 103Nelson, BC V1L 5P7CanadaAdd us to your address book
    250-352-2421 / admin@wkartscouncil.com

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  • West Kootenay Regional Arts Council
    March 2025Artist credit: Kelsey Van RaayNEWSREGISTRATION DEADLINES APPROACHJoin us during the tour! To become one of the essential stops of the 2025 Columbia Basin Culture Tour, register by March 23 (early bird) or March 31 (final deadline). READ MORE
    CKCA APPLICATIONS DUE / OTHER GRANTS COMING UPRemember to submit your CKCA application by this Friday (for all programs except Community Grants, which is already closed). Also check out these granting opportunities:First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Arts Program (apply by March 19)BC Gaming Grants for Arts & Culture (apply by April 30)

    DEFINE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S IMPACT
    If you’re an arts organization seeking to better understand, measure and communicate your impact, attend Mass Culture’s online session “Defining Your Impact: Who and what really matters,” taking place March 6. READ MORE
    PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH
    Good mental health is essential for anyone, including those involved in arts, culture and heritage. Here are a few resources that could help you or others in your organization:AFC: for those working in performing arts and entertainmentUnison: for those working in the music industryCanadian Mental Health Association: for workplacesREAD MORE NEWS STORIES HERE

    BEHIND THE SCENESQ&A WITH IRMA DE VISSER, CKCA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERTo help arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin thrive, we rely on a dedicated team of board and steering committee members. Here, meet Irma de Visser, CKCA Steering Committee Member. READ MORE

    FEATURE STORYCELEBRATING INDIA’S HERITAGE IN NELSON
    Formerly from Hyderabad, India, Nelson resident Surya Sameera Gonella has created A Celebration of India—which will take place on April 12, 2025, at the Capitol Theatre in Nelson—to showcase the “roots, traditions and culture” of her Indian heritage. READ MORE ON PAGE 14 OF ARTICULATEREAD MORE STORIES HERE

    SELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONBOOM: THE MUSIC, CULTURE AND EVENTS OF THE BABY BOOM GENERATIONThis mind-blowing experience takes us through 25 turbulent years, and gives voice to over a 100 influential politicians, activists and musicians. (Trail) READ MORE

    AFKO FAIT SON SHOW: LA PATENTERising from the dark recesses of New Brunswick to set the stage ablaze, the quartet presents a raw and uncompromising cocktail of punk-rock and country-folk offset by a unique contemporary splash! (Nelson) READ MORECRYSTAL JOURNEYDavid Hickey’s set-up includes quartz crystal bowls, Paiste planet gongs, Persian santoors, harmonica and occasionally vocals to create harmonized chants. (Taghum) READ MORE

    ART & ECOLOGY BOOK STUDYThis five-week course will provide an opportunity for discussion, reflective writing and art-making to critically examine the present and inspire the process of imagining and eventually realizing better futures. (Nelson) READ MORE

    SUBMIT A LISTINGDo you have an arts, culture or heritage event you’d like to tell everyone in the Columbia Basin about? Submit your item now! 

    READ MORESEE ALL EVENT LISTINGS HERE

    Thank you to our funders:
  • West Kootenay Regional Arts Council
    News release: Apply Now for CKCA Arts and Culture Grants
    NEWS RELEASE
    APPLY NOW FOR ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS    January 13, 2025
    [FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: COLUMBIA BASIN]

    People and organizations in the Columbia Basin that would like to pursue arts and culture projects are invited to apply for grants from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA). The application period is now open, with deadlines on February 21 or March 7, 2025, depending on the program.

    CKCA grants—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council—are available for all art disciplines, for both individuals and arts and culture organizations in the Basin.

    To learn more, visit wkartscouncil.com/ckca-funding. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to view the videos on the site and register for a question-and-answer session. Applications for all programs are submitted online.
    Denise Baughan, Chair, CKCA
    “Arts and culture are incredibly important to our communities. The board of the CKCA is grateful to Columbia Basin Trust for its ongoing support and contributions to the arts. We look forward to reviewing this year’s round of grant submissions. It is always inspiring to witness the immense talent that exists across the Basin.”

    Justine Cohen, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust
    “By investing in the arts, we celebrate the talent and passion of local artists while strengthening the connections that bring us together. Projects funded through CKCA programs increase opportunities for residents to engage in a range of arts and cultural activities, enhancing the overall quality of life across the Basin. We are proud to partner with the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council in its vital work to nurture creativity, enrich the cultural fabric of our communities, and ensure that this creative spirit continues to thrive for generations to come.”

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Lily Andersen
    Grants Officer / Operations Manager
    admin@wkartscouncil.com 
    250-352-2421 
  • West Kootenay Regional Arts Council
    It’s grant time! Plus, start thinking about the Culture Tour.
    January 2025Artist credit: Kelsey Van RaayNEWSAPPLY NOW FOR A GRANTThe application period for grants from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance is now open, with deadlines on February 21 or March 7, 2025, depending on the program. Learn more and attend a Q&A session. READ MORE
    CULTURE TOUR
    It’s time to start thinking about a warm summer weekend: the 2025 Culture Tour. Check out what’s new this year and read our questions and tips to consider what your venue might be like. READ MORE

    THE DEADLINE TO DONATE HAS BEEN EXTENDEDIn light of the postal strike, the deadline to donate to charity for 2024 taxes is now the end of February. Contribute to Articulate magazine and you’ll help maximize coverage of the best in arts, culture and heritage. DONATE TODAY

    LAST CHANCE! WHAT DO YOU THINK OF OUR EVENTS CALENDAR?
    Whether you use it tons or never use it at all, we want your opinion of our online events calendar. You could win a $50 gift card to Cowan’s office and art supply store! READ MOREREAD MORE NEWS STORIES HERE

    BEHIND THE SCENESQ&A WITH MICHELE DUPAS, CKCA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERTo help arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin thrive, we rely on a dedicated team of board and steering committee members. Here, meet Michele Dupas, CKCA Steering Committee Member. READ MORE

    FEATURE STORYHOT OFF THE PRESS!
    The newest issue of Articulate has hit the stands and been distributed to subscribers’ mailboxes and public locations around the Columbia Basin. READ MOREREAD MORE STORIES HERE

    SELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONBE THE WORLD: ALBUM RELEASE CONCERTSteve Marc is an upbeat and uplifting world/reggae fusion band with hints of funk and grooves you can’t help but move to. (Castlegar) READ MORE

    ZAYNAB MOHAMMEDA journey of sound, sight and story about how one woman loses her innocence at a young age due to cultural inequity, whilst navigating a terrain foreign to her ancestors. (Nelson) READ MORE

    LEARN TO CARVE AN EATING SPOONCover all the skills you’ll need to go out into the woods to identify, cut, cleave, axe, carve and finish a beautiful and ergonomic piece of functional wooden ware. (Blewett) READ MORE

    SECHILE SEDARE: LEELA GILDAY AND JAY GILDAYThese sibling songwriters hit notes of nostalgia, hope and humour in songs about their family history, connection to the land and water, and the twists and turns of fate. (Trail) READ MORE

    SUBMIT A LISTINGDo you have an arts, culture or heritage event you’d like to tell everyone in the Columbia Basin about? Submit your item now! READ MORESEE ALL EVENT LISTINGS HERE
    Thank you to our funders:FacebookInstagramWebsite