Category: Columbia Basin

A WEEKEND FOR LOVERS OF ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE

During the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, fascinating venues open their doors
July 21, 2025

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Columbia Basin) – Artists, museums, art galleries, heritage sites and more will open their doors to the public—for free—during the Columbia Basin Culture Tour. 84 venues, located in communities and rural areas throughout the Columbia Basin, are featured in the 17th annual tour taking place on Saturday and Sunday, August 9 and 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The Culture Tour offers a meaningful way to connect with the creative and cultural life of the Columbia Basin,” says Kallee Lins, Executive Director of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council. “It’s a chance to meet artists where they work, explore heritage sites, and experience the diversity of talent in our region. There truly is something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of pottery, painting, heritage, or even want to try your hand at making something yourself.”

A project of the West 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.

With exhibitions, artwork displays, creative-process demonstrations and performances, there is something new to experience at each venue. The tour is self-guided and suitable for all ages.

“Absolutely enriched my day,” shared a past participant. “Spoke to several artists and really loved every aspect of it.”

One past participant declared, “Beautiful artwork. Inspirational!” while expressed, “I love the uniqueness of the locations.

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.
Valemount
Revelstoke
Nakusp
New Denver / Silverton / Slocan / Winlaw / Vallican
Castlegar / Robson
Rossland / Warfield / Trail / Salmo
Nelson
North Shore / Procter / Harrop / Balfour / Meadow Creek
Crawford Bay / Riondel / Gray Creek / Boswell
Creston
Cranbrook / Kimberley / Invermere / Golden
Fernie / Sparwood

FRIDAY IS THE EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: REGISTER NOW!Since 2009, the Columbia Basin Culture Tour has enabled arts, culture and heritage supporters to explore and enjoy studios, galleries, museums and events; experience creative processes; and purchase great art. 

If you’re an artist, or an organization or venue focused on arts, culture and heritage, anywhere in the Columbia Basin, we’d like to remind you to grab this opportunity and become one of the essential stops in summer 2023. (And thank you if you’ve already signed up!)

The tour takes place: 
•    July 29 and 30, 2023 
•    10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Reserve your spot now:
•    Early bird rate ($50): register by this Friday, March 31, 2023.
•    Regular rate ($60): register by April 15, 2023.

For more information, contact admin@wkartscouncil.com or 250-352-2421. REGISTER NOW

Our mailing address is:
West Kootenay Regional Arts CouncilPO Box 103Nelson, BC V1L 5P7Canada

COLUMBIA KOOTENAY CULTURAL ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2021–2022 FUNDED PROJECTS
(Columbia Basin) – Over 110 arts and culture projects—including the Columbia Basin Culture Tour—
have received a total of $750,000 in funding support for the 2021-22 season through the Columbia
Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust.

“Despite the challenges of Covid-19, Basin artists working in all genres continued to show incredible
enthusiasm to continue their path as artists. For many years I have been incredibly impressed by the
scope of the projects for which applicants are seeking funding. Some artists are taking their first steps
towards becoming professionals and are seeking support to realize major projects for all to enjoy,”
said Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance Chair Stephanie Fischer. “The support for Basin non-profit
organizations is also very important. They exist to exhibit art works, safeguard archives and employ
artists to deliver community workshops. The CKCA Steering Committee members are excited to see
the projects from diverse artists and organizations that receive funding and successfully bring their
efforts to fruition. We are also very pleased to continue our relationship with Columbia Basin Trust; by
fostering excellence in arts and culture we can contribute to livable communities across the region.”

Funding applications were adjudicated in May by the CKCA Steering Committee, with input from
community arts councils. Support will go toward a wide range of projects, including individual and
group projects, master classes, touring and major exhibition projects.

“The arts and culture of the Basin is part of what makes our region so special and unique,” said
Michelle d’Entremont, Delivery of Benefits Manager, Columbia Basin Trust. “These projects support
both business renewal and community well-being in our region. We look forward to enjoying these
projects alongside the rest of the communities in the Basin.”

CKCA funding helps individuals and organizations realize arts and cultural projects across all arts
disciplines, including visual art, theatre, music, dance, media, literature and inter-arts. For a list of
funded projects, visit the CKCA website at www.basinculture.com or call 1-877-505-7355.
Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn
more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Photo cutline: Islands of Peace Exhibition – Kimberly Olson – 2021
For further information contact:
Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance
1-877-505-7355 or 250-505-5505