ANOTHER GREAT YEAR OF BASIN ARTS AND CULTURE
It could entail producing a graphic novel, citing Shakespeare or demonstrating circus skills—there are myriad ways to get people in the Columbia Basin engaged in arts and culture. To this end, 123 arts and culture projects are receiving more than $540,000 in 2025/26 from Columbia Basin Trust. The funding is distributed through the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), a project of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council.
View the full list of approved projects.
Here are a few examples:
Putting on a lion costume and mimicking the regal cat’s movements is a traditional Chinese way to solicit good luck and fortune. To promote knowledge of this practice in the West Kootenay, Zen Wang put on three workshops in July 2025. Participants learned the historical significance of this dance, tried out the instruments and props, prepared their bodies and minds and, finally, fully embodied the lion. The purchased props and costumes have also been used by other local organizations for educational sessions and performances.
“The workshops encouraged involvement in this celebratory form of dancing,” said Zen Wang. “The physical aspect helps people stay healthy, the spiritual aspect keeps them mentally alert and connected, and the cultural aspect makes our communities more multicultural, tolerant and inviting to people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.”
New Denver artist Petra Hekkenberg is undertaking a two-part project to explore feelings around wildfires such as the 2024 Slocan Lake Complex. In summer 2025, this primarily involved creating an interactive map that shows the movement of people, animals and emergency services during the fires. She is now creating drawings—including by using charcoal from wildfires—of people’s most precious belongings. The final products will be displayed in summer 2026 and published in a book.
“This project offers people an engaging and anonymous platform to talk about their experiences and sentiments during wildfires, while bringing awareness to emergency response and forming a bridge between responders and the cultural sector,” said Petra Hekkenberg. “The exhibition with artworks of people’s precious belongings will make the audience wonder what they would keep safe themselves, and the book documents a time in history.”
The year 2026 is the 20th anniversary of Golden’s winter festival, EmberFest. To help local creators kick up their skills a notch, Kicking Horse Culture is hosting the Wonderheads, who will offer a six-day Mask Performance Intensive. The workshop will focus on fundamental mask performance techniques, enhancing participants’ physical awareness, movement economy and expressive storytelling.
“Local artists’ new performances will enrich the region’s artistic landscape, inspiring broader public participation and fostering appreciation for physical theatre,” said Logan Thackray, Executive and Artistic Director, Kicking Horse Culture. “By investing in professional training, the project supports more art being produced locally and strengthens career pathways for regional artists, increasing opportunities for future funding and artistic growth.”
CKCA funding is available to both individuals and arts and culture organizations. All arts disciplines are eligible (including visual art, theatre, music, dance, media, literary and inter-arts), as are cultural projects like traditional cultural practices and preserving languages. Separate granting streams target different focuses, such as individual and group projects, master classes, touring and major exhibition projects. Overall, the goal is to help artists and arts and culture organizations create exceptional projects that enliven life in the Basin.
Learn more at wkartscouncil.com/ckca-funding.
Denise Baughan, Chair, CKCA
“I want to thank all applicants of this year’s funding cycle and commend the creativity throughout the Basin. Support from CKCA and funding from Columbia Basin Trust enable artists and organizations to showcase their work, build connections and enrich our communities. This valued partnership continues to nurture the arts and celebrate the Basin’s vibrant spirit.”
Christine Nichol, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust
“Columbia Basin Trust is proud to collaborate with the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council to support projects that strengthen the Basin’s rich arts and culture scene. By investing in local artists and cultural projects, we help bring communities together, celebrate the Basin’s creativity and ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part in and enjoy these unique experiences.”