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| February 2026Artist credit: Kristine McGuintyNEWSBECOME AN ESSENTIAL CULTURE TOUR STOP! Registration is now open to become a venue in the 2026 Columbia Basin Culture Tour. You’ll extend the reach of your cultural practice—and enjoy a fun weekend! READ MORE |
| APPLY NOW FOR ARTS & CULTURE GRANTS The CKCA granting period is open. Register ASAP for the final online Q&A session on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Application deadlines are Feb. 20 and March 6, 2026, depending on the program. READ MORE FEASIBILITY STUDY UNDER WAY FOR KOOTENAY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS BUILDING Nearly three months have passed since the students and instructors at Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson were informed that Selkirk College would be discontinuing its programs in ceramics, textiles and metal. Here’s an update on what has happened since. READ MORE TOPOGRAPHY OF DANCE IN CANADA WITH SOPHIE DOWIn Dance West Network’s Feb. 10 workshop for dance artists working outside Vancouver, participants will learn how to align their work with available resources and about steps to get their careers even more in motion. READ MORE CAREER OPPORTUNITY WITH HERITAGE BCHeritage BC is seeking a visionary and strategic executive director to lead BC’s province-wide heritage organization into its next chapter. Apply by Feb. 27. READ MOREREAD MORE NEWS STORIES HERE BEHIND THE SCENESQ&A WITH KARMELLE SPENCE-SING, WKRAC STAFF MEMBERTo help arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin thrive, we rely on a dedicated team of board and steering committee members—and great employees! Here, meet Karmelle Spence-Sing, WKRAC Social Media Coordinator / Articulate Circulation & Partnerships. READ MORE FEATURED IN ARTICULATEBACKCOUNTRY INSPIRATION: CARLYLE LODGE ARTIST RETREATIn September 2025, a group of visual artists embarked on a multi-day “artventure” to Carlyle Lodge near Sandon, where each artist was invited to capture plein air paintings, reference photos, natural journals or sketches that would then be developed into bigger studio work. READ MORE EDITORIAL: ART AND NATURE At its best, nature is a healer, an inspiration and a source of joy; at worst, an enemy, a fiend and a source of stress. How do we embrace that dichotomy without giving into despair or ignoring the realities of climate change, resource extraction and human folly? READ MORE ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: THE CIVIC THEATRE’S LONG INTERMISSION At the Civic Theatre in Nelson, the seats are gone, scaffolding fills the room and the familiar rhythm of showtimes has been replaced by silence—but when the theatre opens again, it will be something new and transformed. READ MORE ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: GOLDEN’S EMBERFEST EmberFest is a grassroots, volunteer-powered celebration of low-tech magic and high-spirited creativity. Everyone is invited to step through the portal! READ MOREREAD MORE ARTICULATE STORIES HERE SELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONUNUSUAL ANGLES: OPEN ADJUDICATED ART EXHIBITCelebrate visual art and the Kootenays at Art Gallery Kimberley. (Opens Feb. 5, Kimberley) READ MORE BALLET JÖRGEN, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAMEnjoy the ballet version of William Shakespeare’s lighthearted, humorous and fun tale of love and often-misguided magic. (Feb. 18, Trail) READ MORE FLAX TO LINEN WORKSHOPExplore the full journey of flax—from plant to fibre to linen—in this hands-on workshop that brings the ancient craft of linen-making to life. (Feb. 21, Argenta) READ MORE A TRIBUTE TO THE SONGWRITERS OF THE 60S & 70S WITH THE PAUL ALLEN DUOCome out for a fun evening of laughter while you reminisce and sing along to classic covers with an artist that lived the era. (Feb. 21, Fauquier) 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 HEREThank you to our funders: |
Category: Art Scene
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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 MOREPLAN 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 NELSONCanada’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: -
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 -
View this email in your browser 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 MORETODAY 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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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 MOREPRIORITIZING 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: -
News release: Apply Now for CKCA Arts and Culture Grants NEWS RELEASE
APPLY NOW FOR ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTSJanuary 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
MAKE THIS YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
CKCA APPLICATIONS DUE / OTHER GRANTS COMING UPRemember to submit your 
PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH
