Behind the Scenes: Q&A WITH LAINEY BENSON, CKCA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER
The West Kootenay Regional Arts Council (WKRAC) exists to help arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin thrive. To do so, we rely on a dedicated team of board members, plus steering committee members who oversee the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) arts and culture grants.
Who are these people? In this series, we’re introducing you to the folks behind the scenes.
Lainey Benson, CKCA Steering Committee Member
Artist Lainey Benson divides her time between Nelson and Montreal.
WKRAC: How did you come to call the Columbia Basin home?
LB: I left home in the Ottawa area at the age of 17. It’s a long story, but I really needed to leave. So, I followed a boy to the Kootenays. While the boy is long gone, my love for the Kootenays endures 47 years later.
Are you involved in arts, culture and heritage outside of your work with WKRAC/CKCA? If so, what is your discipline or practice?
Yes, I’m a full-time artist. I paint landscapes, cityscapes, people…. My style is a little variable. The more I learn, the more I play with it. I love exploring values and colour. I do a lot of commissioned work, which continually offers me fresh challenges.
Why did you wish to join this board/committee?
I was delighted to be invited. I’m away from home frequently because of family, which makes volunteering in my community a challenge. This position is very time-flexible, which allows me an opportunity to give back to my community. Beyond that, I value being part of the art community, learning about our local arts culture, and meeting fellow art enthusiasts. I’m very grateful for this position.
What do you think people in the region should be proud of in terms of arts, culture and heritage?
Everything. The Kootenays are such a melting pot of creativity. There’s great passion for all three. There are many perspectives and forms of expression, and that diversity is welcomed. I feel that as we grow as a society, the arts community embraces an earnest desire for openness and inclusiveness.
What advice do you have for people in the region pursuing a career in arts, culture and heritage?
Get involved, explore which other artists you’re drawn to, find mentors and access available resources. The West Kootenay Regional Arts Council would be a good place to start.
What vision do you see for the future of arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin?
Hmm. I think the vision I see is what is already demonstrated by the steering committee: an intention to support and expose local artists, to be inclusive, to celebrate individual and group efforts, and to educate the community on the value of the arts.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I believe that arts, culture and heritage will face many challenges for funding and political will as we move forward. So, having institutions such as arts councils is vitally important in supporting and encouraging creativity through our individual and collective voices.