Category: Art Scene

NEWS RELEASE A WEEKEND FOR LOVERS OF ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE During the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, fascinating venues open their doorsJuly 16, 2026 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Columbia Basin — view this release as a pdf) Artists, museums, art galleries, heritage sites and more will open their doors to the public—for free—during the Columbia Basin Culture Tour. A total of 85 venues, located in communities and rural areas throughout the Columbia Basin, are featured in the 18th annual tour, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.    “It’s so exciting that year after year the public is able to enjoy arts, culture and heritage in such a  significant way through the Culture Tour,” said Kallee Lins, Executive Director of the Kootenay Regional  Arts Council. “There’s a huge range of options—something to appeal to everyone—throughout the event. We invite people to take a look at the venues and start planning a fabulous weekend!”   A project of the Kootenay Regional Arts Council, the Columbia Basin Culture Tour is supported by Columbia Basin Trust, with additional support provided by Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism.   Through exhibitions, artwork displays, creative-process demonstrations and performances, each venue offers a new experience. The tour is self-guided and suitable for all ages.    One 2025 participant commented, “How there are so many talented people in our area? I thought the Columbia Basin Culture Tour was great—never been to one before. I would go next year. Thank you for having this event.”   Another 2025 participant said, “I very much enjoyed seeing the artists in their home environments and having the chance to chat with the various artists. I also liked the demos!”   To learn more about the Culture Tour, discover the venues and view a map of locations, visit cbculturetour.com. Printed copies of the Columbia Basin Culture Tour directory are also available around the region in locations like art galleries, visitors’ centres, chambers of commerce, hotels and cafés.   To keep up to date with tour happenings, follow @wkartscouncil on Instagram or Facebook.PHOTOS Photos of each venue may be downloaded through the regional pages listed on cbculturetour.com. If you need higher-resolution images, please connect with the media contact listed below.ValemountRevelstokeNakusp / New Denver / Silverton / Slocan / WinlawCrescent Valley / Blewett / GraniteCastlegar / RobsonRossland / TrailBeaver Falls / Fruitvale / Salmo / YmirNelsonNorth Shore / Procter / BalfourRiondel / Crawford Bay / Gray CreekCreston / EricksonCranbrookJaffray / Fernie / SparwoodInvermere  COLUMBIA BASIN CULTURE TOUR POSTER   MEDIA CONTACT Lily Andersen Grants Officer / Operations Manager Kootenay Regional Arts Council admin@wkartscouncil.com     250-352-2421

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It’s arts & culture summertime in the Basin!

July 2026Artist credit: Nicola SimpsonNEWSWHICH ONES DO YOU WANT TO SEE? Browse the listings for the 85 venues participating in the Columbia Basin Culture Tour! Taking place around the Basin on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, 2026, the tour features artists’ studios, museums, heritage sites and more. READ MORE

OUR MEMBERS ARE THE BEST! Not only do WKRAC members include incredibly talented artists, cool art spaces and vital arts organizations, but their support aids in making a stronger arts sector in the region. DISCOVER WHO THEY ARE (And become one too! It’s super affordable!) FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: ADVOCATING FOR THE ARTS IN BCDuring budget consultation season in BC, Kallee Lins had the opportunity to present to the BC Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. Here are her thoughts. READ MORE HAVE YOUR SAY: BC ARTS COUNCILThe BC Arts Council is engaging with artists, arts organizations, service organizations and sector partners to inform the development of its Strategy and Action Plan. Complete the survey by July 31, 2026. READ MOREREAD MORE NEWS STORIES HERE BEHIND THE SCENESQ&A WITH LOGAN TURNER, EXECUTIVE AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, KICKING HORSE CULTUREWKRAC exists to help arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin thrive, including supporting the work of local arts councils. Here, meet Logan Turner, Executive and Artistic Director, Kicking Horse Culture. READ MORE FEATURED IN ARTICULATEONLINE EXCLUSIVE: AN ANCESTRAL LEGACY TRIP TO THE SLOCAN VALLEYMariko Tanabe says, “I have always been a dreamer, a dancer and a seeker. I have been engaged with a story that began long before I was born, and continues to unfold, bringing me along with it.” READ MORE EXPLORING UNDERGROUND ART IN THE KOOTENAYS Have you ever thought about underground art happening within the Kootenays—art that often goes unrecognized but is vital to our culture, communities and arts scenes? READ MOREREAD MORE ARTICULATE STORIES HERE SELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONTHE SOUND OF JAPAN: TSUMUGU PROJECTExperience the powerful rhythms of taiko alongside traditional Japanese instruments. (July 14, Kimberley) READ MORE STARBELLY JAMA festival all about the celebration of life through music, friendship and having a fun time for all. (July 10 to 12, Crawford Bay) READ MORE SUMMER KICKSEnjoy this free outdoor concert series featuring touring artists from across Canada and amazing local performers. (ongoing to Aug. 19, Golden) 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:FacebookInstagramWebsite

GET THE LATEST INFO, ASAP To stay up to date with what’s essential and interesting when it comes to arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin, follow us on social media. We’ll connect you with industry news, events to enjoy, artist profiles, granting opportunities and more!FACEBOOKINSTAGRAM

HERITAGE-FOCUSED WEBINARSHeritage BC webinars help practitioners and communities enhance skills, expand knowledge and strengthen capacity to steward heritage in the province. See the current offerings. READ MORE HOW DOES AI AFFECT CULTURE? Recently, participants at the first National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture came together to discuss a shared vision for the future of culture in the age of AI. Mass Culture compiled some reflections. READ MOREREAD MORE NEWS STORIES HERE FEATURED IN ARTICULATECOMING THIS WEEKEND: KOOTENAY CHILDREN’S FESTIVALSince 1986, the Kootenay Children’s Festival has been entirely free and entirely fabulous. “According to my research we’re the longest-running free children’s festival in Canada,” says Key City Theatre executive director Galen Olstead. READ MORE ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: JOEL HARDING’S “ALPINE FORCES” “Alpine Forces” is Cranbrook resident Joel Harding’s debut solo exhibition, featuring a series of paintings that seek to render the oppositional characteristics that define a mountain. Motion so immense it can only be perceived as stillness. READ MORE ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: CAREER TIPS FOR RURAL AND REMOTE (DANCE) ARTISTS How can a dance artist living in a rural or remote community develop a strong artistic career? A question like this is particularly apt in a region like the Columbia Basin—and a recent online conversation helped participants consider the answers. READ MORE METAL ARTS GUILD OF THE SLOCAN VALLEY To respond to West Kootenay metal artisans and craftspeople looking for opportunities for classes and mentorship, Winlaw-based metalworker Jen McCaw created the Metal Arts Guild of the Slocan Valley. READ MOREREAD MORE ARTICULATE STORIES HERE SELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONCOLLAGE DROP-INCome on in and enjoy some stellar content to create unique, stunning papercraft works. (May 7, Nelson) READ MORE FAVOURITE PLACES “PAINT WITH ME”How would like to paint a scene from one of your favorite artists? Van Gogh, Group Of Seven, Min Ma, Bobbie Burgers, Cameron Bird… You can!  (ongoing, Invermere) READ MORE PAINT IT BLACK: ON OVERCOMING PERFECTIONThis online event is open to any artist who wishes to overcome the burden of perfection and make some really unusual work, in a safe and supportive environment. (May 15, online) READ MORE HAUTE TRASH! FASHION SHOW AND ART EXHIBITHave you ever looked at your trash bin and thought, “Wait, I could wear that!”? Well someone did, and they made it Trashtabulous! (May 16, Nelson) 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:

It’s busy times in arts, culture & heritage!

March 2026Artist credit: Kristine McGuintyNEWSREGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHESJoin us during the tour! To become one of the essential stops of the 2026 Columbia Basin Culture Tour, register by March 31. READ MORE

CKCA APPLICATIONS DUERemember to submit your CKCA application by this Friday (for all programs except Community Grants, which is already closed). READ MORE IT’S NOT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR—IT’S YOURSSubmit your arts, culture or heritage event to our online calendar and we’ll help spread the word beyond your usual audiences. Here’s why you should do it and how to go about it. READ MORE KOOTENAY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: UPDATEInterested in what might be happening to the Kootenay School of the Arts building in Nelson? A feasibility study was recently presented to Nelson City Council. Here’s some coverage of what was discussed:Arts group seeks two years rent-free to transform Kootenay Studio Arts building, February 24, 2026 (Nelson Star)Community coalition presents case, and ask, for KSA building to city council, February 19, 2026 (Nelson News, Castanet)City of Nelson Committee of the Whole Meeting, February 17, 2026 (starting at the 53-minute mark) HAVE YOUR SAYThe Canada Council for the Arts is developing its next strategic plan, which will guide its work from 2026 to 2031. Complete its questionnaire by March 11 to share your input, and make sure rural voices are heard! READ MORE EQUITY IN PRACTICE FOR NON-PROFITSImagine Canada and HR Intervals have launched two new guides to help non-profits assess their equity practices, strengthen accountability and embed inclusion across their work. READ MOREREAD MORE NEWS STORIES HERE BEHIND THE SCENESQ&A WITH PAT HENMAN, BOARD 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 Pat Henman, WKRAC board member. READ MORE FEATURED IN ARTICULATEFOOTLIGHTERS THEATRE: 30 SEASONS AND COUNTINGSince 1995, Creston’s Footlighters Theatre Society has transported audiences to places that they can only dream of visiting: An enchanted castle in France. A house made of gingerbread in a murky forest. The bridge of a starship in interstellar space. READ MORE ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: MICHAEL HEPHER: THE INFORMAL PATH Even the most intuitive self-taught artists sometimes need to shore up their efforts with knowledge to maximize their natural talent. READ MOREREAD MORE ARTICULATE STORIES HERE SELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONSAPPHIRE GUTHRIE AND TENISE MARIA IN CONCERTTwo local artists combine for an evening of music excellence. (March 7, Balfour) READ MORE YEAR-LONG PLANT DYE JOURNEYThis in-person, year-long program meets once a month and offers participants the opportunity to build skills gradually while exploring a wide range of dye plants and processes. (starting March 9, Winlaw) READ MORE LOOT: ORIENTING TO MATTERThis three-day symposium in Nelson and Kaslo features Kootenay and Okanagan artists and writers who are exploring humanity’s current relationship to matter. (March 13 to 15, Nelson & Kaslo) READ MORE WKRAC PRESENTATION TO NELSON CITY COUNCILKallee Lins and Lily Andersen share grant program updates with Nelson City Council, highlighting recently funded projects and new initiatives. (March 17, Nelson & online) READ MORE ARTIST SOCIALSThese laid-back, no-pressure events are the perfect opportunity to connect with other creatives in the community, share ideas and socialize. (March 26, Revelstoke) 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 MORE SEE ALL EVENT LISTINGS HERE Thank you to our funders:

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:

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 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: