Category: Media Release

NEWS RELEASE ARTS AND CULTURE COLLEAGUES INVITED TO CONNECT AND SHARE How can we support artists—especially those deserving equity and justice—and arts and culture organizations in the Kootenays? That’s the question posed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council and the reason it’s launching a new series of free conversations, called Kootenay Art Connect, taking place online and in person in May and June 2023. “How can the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council collaborate with artists and local arts organizations to further strengthen the arts scene in the Kootenays?” asked Maggie Shirley, the arts council’s new Outreach Manager, who is organizing the series. “We invite anyone in this sector to come tell us your needs and what you can offer to arts and culture in the Kootenays.” Participants will explore questions like: What are your professional development needs? How can the arts council help you better network, share knowledge and exchange resources? The series includes online events for artists (May 31), arts organizations (June 8) and artists deserving equity and justice (June 12). The in-person events are in the West Kootenay (Taghum, June 20) and East Kootenay (Kimberley, June 22). For the in-person gatherings, places are limited to 50 each (with lunch provided), so people are encouraged to sign up soon. Everyone is invited to attend. Facilitators and guest speakers include Carla Stevenson, Executive Director/Co-Artistic Director of Renascence Arts and Sustainability Society and the Tiny Lights Festival; and representatives from Arts BC. The series is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts. To learn more and register, visit wkartscouncil.com/kootenay-art-connect-convos. (Note: The deadline to register for the in-person events is Friday, June 9. There’s no deadline for the online events.) As the regional arts council for the Kootenays, the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council supports a thriving arts, culture and heritage sector and acts as a catalyst to build capacity throughout the creative ecology. Learn more at wkartscouncil.com.    MEDIA CONTACT Maggie Shirley Outreach Manager West Kootenay Regional Arts Council 250-801-2349 outreach@wkartscouncil.com               Thank you to our funders: Facebook Instagram Website Forward to a Friend Our mailing address is: West Kootenay Regional Arts CouncilPO Box 103 Nelson, BC V1L 5P7Canada Add us to your address book 250-352-2421 / admin@wkartscouncil.com

The West Kootenay TEETH Clinic hopes to be up and running this JUNE after shutting down due to arson in February 2022, but they need YOUR HELP!

We are having a fundraiser concert MAY 19th @ The Royal featuring:

BROKEN CITY

HILLSIDE FOOLS

QUILLAN HANLEY & SARAH ORTON

THE UKULADIES & FRIENDS

There will be raffle and silent auction prizes as well.

Show starts at 6pm. Tickets $25

Visit: https://www.theroyalnelson.com/events for ticket sales.

Can’t make it, but wish to donate?

Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/…/west-kootenay-community…/

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Our Spring Banquet will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Nelson District Rod & Gun Club Hall.

Ticket sales are now open to everyone, NICS members, their families and friends, and the public too. Final ticket sales on April 29th.

Only 150 tickets are available, so be sure to act quickly.

Tickets are $50.00 each. Reserved seating arrangement of Tables of 8.

Social Hour 5:30 pm – Dinner 6:30 pm – Dancing to Follow

Music provided by Eric Laughton

We need volunteers for the event. Please contact Laura for details (her email address is below).

How to purchase pickets:

– Using Interac e-transfer via email to nelsonitaliancanadiansociety@gmail.com.

Tickets purchased using Interac will be available for pick up at the door.

– At DeVito Shoes, 411 Hall Street (cash or cheque only)

When purchasing your ticket, you need to provide:

– Your name and the name of any other NICS members you are buying tickets for

– Phone number

– Specify any dietary restrictions for people in your group

– Any seating assignment requests

Inquiries can be directed to:

Laura Cillis: membership@nelsonitaliancanadiansociety.com

or

Anthony Sanna: vp@nelsonitaliancanadiansociety.com

Congratulations to Fred Schneider for his Distinguish Service Award.

Fred has been a exceptional volunteer in his life. He retired from a long service as Chief Schneider at the North Shore Fire hall. Fred was a dedicated city employee as well. Congratulations to my brother on his achievement.

NEWS RELEASE APPLY NOW FOR ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTSJanuary 16, 2023 [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 March 3 or 10, 2023, depending on the program. CKCA grants—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and overseen 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 www.wkartscouncil.com/ckca-funding. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to view the video on this site and register for a grant-writing workshop. Also note that applications for ALL programs are now submitted online. Stephanie Fischer, Chair, CKCA “Year after year, I have been impressed by the variety of projects for which applicants seek funding. I encourage artists to apply to CKCA to advance their careers and create new works. I encourage Columbia Basin non-profit organizations, small and large, to apply. They are the anchor and the driver for exhibiting artworks, showcasing live performers on stage, celebrating diversity and Indigenous culture and employing artists to engage people of all ages and abilities. Together they add to the livability, economy and health of communities in the Basin.” Justine Cohen, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust “The Trust is pleased to partner with CKCA to support, grow and strengthen arts and culture in Basin communities. Increasing access to arts and culture experiences in the Basin adds to the vibrancy and well-being of the region.” MEDIA CONTACT Lily Andersen Grants Officer / Operations Manager admin@wkartscouncil.com  250-352-2421

Thank you to our funders: