OXYGEN ART CENTRE AWARDED MAJOR MULTI-YEAR FUNDIND
Oxygen Art Centre is excited to announce that the artist-run centre is the recipient of a major multi-year funding program. The generous support comes from the Vancouver Foundation’s Transforming Systems Grant.
These grants of $300,000 offer flexible, operational funding for three years to organizations advancing systemic change by addressing the root causes of inequality and supporting those most affected to shape their own futures.
Vancouver Foundation is dedicated to creating healthy, vibrant, equitable, and inclusive communities across BC. Since 1943, our donors have created 2,200 endowment funds and together we have distributed more than $1.5 billion to charities. From arts and culture to the environment, health and social development, education, medical research and more, we exist to make meaningful and lasting improvements to communities in BC.
Oxygen Art Centre is an artist-run centre located on the tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the Sn̓ʕaýckstx (Sinixt), Syilx and Ktunaxa Nations colonially known as the West Kootenay in the southeastern interior region of British Columbia, Canada.
Located in the city of Nelson, Oxygen was founded as the Nelson Fine Arts Centre Society in 2002 by former writing and visual arts faculty from the Kootenay School of the Arts. Oxygen operates in a 900 sq. ft. renovated warehouse space that serves as a studio, gallery, residency centre, event space, and office.
Oxygen is known for challenging and experimental programming. We value the curatorial, research, and production of contemporary art programming that support diverse artists in all stages of their careers. We are particularly interested in contemporary art practices that are interdisciplinary, process-based, and socially engaged, focused through two core programs: the Exhibition and Residency Program and the Education Program.
With the support of the Vancouver Foundation—at this increasingly precarious economic moment for arts and culture nonprofits—the artist-run centre will direct these funds to human resources and operating expenses to establish a secure foundation for systemic change work.
Vancouver Foundation’s three-year operational funding will increase the organizational capacity required to codify internalized processes into policies, conduct high-level strategic planning activities, and create conditions for critically researching and producing contemporary art programming.
This work will be conducted by Oxygen’s staff and board of directors where they will engage in strategic planning activities and professional development to secure the centre’s future, alongside enhancements to forthcoming public contemporary art programs.
Oxygen Art Centre extends deep gratitude to the Vancouver Foundation for their support of the artist-run centre through the Transforming Systems Grant.
As a non-profit charitable organization, Oxygen is grateful for the financial support we receive from the Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, BC Gaming, Province of BC, Government of Canada, Vancouver Foundation, Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Columbia Basin Trust, Regional District of Central Kootenay’s ReDi program, Osprey Community Foundation, United Way, Nelson Lions Club, and Nelson and District Credit Union.
We especially thank our collaborators, volunteers, donors, and members for their continued support of the artist-run centre. Not a member yet? Become a Member for just $2 – $10 to support arts and culture in your community!
Oxygen Art Centre is located at #3-320 Vernon Street along the alleyway behind Baker Street in Nelson, British Columbia.