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Behind the Scenes: Q&A WITH THELMA BROWN, CKCA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER

Thelma Brown, 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.

Thelma Brown, CKCA Steering Committee Member

Thelma Brown is a second-generation Goldenite, and is currently retired.

WKRAC: How did you come to call the Columbia Basin home?

TB: I was born in Golden in 1951 and have lived here most of my life. Locals tend to call our area the East Columbia as the Columbia River is an integral part of the community and our identity.

Are you involved in arts, culture and heritage outside of your work with WKRAC/CKCA? If so, what is your discipline or practice?

I was very involved in the past as an employee of Kicking Horse Culture and as an active volunteer, although not as much in later years. I have always been an advocate and supporter of arts, culture and heritage locally and through CKCA. My personal interests are in silversmithing, raku and painting.

Why did you wish to join this board/committee?

I wanted to be a representative for my community as, having lived here so long, I felt my knowledge of local artists and the art community gave me a broad perspective.

What do you think people in the region should be proud of in terms of arts, culture and heritage?

I feel residents are proud of the arts, culture and heritage that is part of this community. Kicking Horse Culture has provided a broad variety of year-round events that are well attended, drawing in folks of all ages. Many local artists have had shows at the Art Gallery of Golden, allowing the non-artists of the community to be exposed to the amazing talent this area has. Golden has a large, expanded community and many artists live rurally, so having a central location is something to be proud of and be part of. The local museum has revolving displays and events, and local heritage is well preserved and available to old-timers, newcomers and tourists. Locals are proud of the work the Métis Nation Columbia River Society has done to establish a meeting place and a source of information about Indigenous history and culture in the area.

What advice do you have for people in the region pursuing a career in arts, culture and heritage?

I would suggest getting involved in all areas of arts, culture and heritage in their small community. It’s valuable to get a broad perspective of the challenges faced and ways to connect with the artist community. I feel it is important that artists themselves help raise that awareness through collaboration with other agencies. Through collective knowledge and working together, information can be shared that can benefit them in the end. Volunteering and seeking out grants allows artists to not be isolated in their artistic practice. I feel that pursuing a career in these fields in the current climate takes dedication, tenacity, creativity and a willingness to push the boundaries.

What vision do you see for the future of arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin?

I would hope the value of these continues to be recognized by communities at large. With continued and increased collaboration between art councils, museums, Indigenous communities, libraries, collectives and artists of all disciplines, it will continue to grow stronger roots. The support of small local business—such as local co-op radio and newspapers—will help draw people back to the importance of a strong community that looks to each other instead of to their phones to seek out the importance of a strong arts, culture and heritage core. It takes a wide variety of arms to grow, support and sustain a strong arts, culture and heritage future.

HEADS-UP: START PLANNING FOR YOUR NEXT GRANT!

As an artist or arts and culture organization, you may have big dreams. So how do you get the funding to make them come true?

Each year, the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA)—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council—provides grants to arts and culture projects throughout the Columbia Basin.

Join us at the Rural Artist Support Weekend

The CKCA application period is traditionally open from early winter to spring. However, it’s never too early to start developing your ideas.

To start, we recommend attending one of our grant-writing workshops. At these, you’ll learn all about the different granting streams available and how to write a solid application. We run a whole series of these workshops, so as many people as possible can find one to fit their schedule.

At this point, we invite you to attend our first grant-writing workshop, which is taking place during the Rural Artist Support Weekend, hosted by the Nelson and District Arts Council (NDAC) in December 2023. For details on the weekend’s events when they become available, follow NDAC on Instagram or Facebook.

As for additional CKCA grant-workshops, coming in January and February 2024, get details as they’re announced by signing up for our newsletter or following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Behind the Scenes: Q&A WITH FERNANDA FERNÁNDEZ, BOARD MEMBER

Fernanda Fernández, Board member

The West Kootenay Regional Arts Council (WKRAC) exists to help arts, culture and heritage in the Kootenays 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.

Fernanda Fernández, Board Member

Originally from Mexico City and educated partially in Paris, new WKRAC board member Fernanda Fernández now lives in Kimberley. Until recently, she was the Acting Administrator at the Kimberley Arts Council–Centre 64.

WKRAC: How did you come to call the Kootenays home? 

FF: My husband got a job with the City of Kimberley in the planning department in 2020, and the municipality provided an affordable option to buy a house and settle down. We married in 2021 and have lived in the Kootenays for three years, close to my husband’s family, who live in Slocan, Nelson and Creston.

Are you involved in arts, culture and heritage outside of your work with WKRAC/CKCA? If so, what is your discipline or practice?

I ran the arts and culture centre in Kimberley. Before coming to Canada, I worked on various projects as a curator and art collection manager. My academic research focuses on sex work representations with an intersectional feminist perspective, the decolonization of photographic archives, and cinema theory.

Why did you wish to join this board/committee? 

My job with the Kimberley Arts Council has come to term, and I would like to keep a connection to the arts in the region. Coming from Mexico City to rural Canada has made me aware of the challenges small communities face compared to urban centres. I believe my insight as an immigrant woman will bring more diversity to the board and another way to understand social dynamics for minorities.

What do you think people in the region should be proud of in terms of arts, culture and heritage? 

Before coming to Canada, I had never been surrounded by so much nature. Most people in the Kootenays care about the environment and take pride in their natural heritage.

What advice do you have for people in the region pursuing a career in arts, culture and heritage? 

These are challenging fields with great personal rewards but where well-paid jobs are scarce. There are many opportunities to make communities value the effort, research and human resources involved in delivering exhibitions, educational programs and festivals, but it is an ever-changing and demanding job. Tolerance to frustration, resilience and perseverance are traits one should have to pursue a career in these areas. Seeking collaborations and exploring what happens outside the Kootenays will become handy to materialize arts and culture projects.

What vision do you see for the future of arts, culture and heritage in the Kootenays? 

Increase professionalization opportunities for arts and culture mediators and creators. Increase collaboration efforts between First Nations organizations and regional arts councils, museums and libraries.

Anything else you’d like to add?

When I became the Acting Administrator at Centre 64, I was relatively new to the region and the art scene in the Kootenays. Without the support to write grants and the connections the WKRAC has facilitated, my job would have been more challenging.

Welcome new board members!

We’re pleased to welcome two new members to the WKRAC board.

Louise Ferguson is Executive Director of the Fernie & District Arts Council, more commonly known as The Arts Station. From England, she originally came to Canada for a year in 2011 to travel and work and has been here ever since. Outside her day job, she offers seamstress services in Fernie, teaches sewing and fibre classes, and loves to be involved in anything theatre-related. See her full profile here.

Fernanda Fernández is an art historian and Acting Administrator at the Kimberley Arts Council–Centre 64. Originally from Mexico City and educated partially in Paris, she moved to Kimberley in 2020. Her work has included curating content for museums and exhibitions on topics such as the environment, children’s development, sex work and gender, plus doing translation for institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Denver Art Museum, and creating subtitles for documentary films. (To see her full profile when it becomes available, sign up for our newsletter.)

We look forward to having their contributions—along with those of our established board members—help shape WKRAC into the future!

Behind the Scenes: Q&A WITH LOUISE FERGUSON, BOARD MEMBER

Louise Ferguson, Board member

The West Kootenay Regional Arts Council (WKRAC) exists to help arts, culture and heritage in the Kootenays 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.

Louise Ferguson, Board Member

New WKRAC board member Louise Ferguson lives in Fernie and is the Executive Director of the Fernie & District Arts Council, more commonly known as The Arts Station.

WKRAC: How did you come to call the Kootenays home?

LF: From England, I originally came to Canada for a year in 2011 to travel and work. I met my Canadian husband and then never left! We moved to the Kootenays for his job, having never visited Fernie before, and quickly called it home.

Are you involved in arts, culture and heritage outside of your work with WKRAC/CKCA? If so, what is your discipline or practice?

Outside my day job, I offer seamstress services in Fernie and teach sewing and fibre classes. I love to take any fibre workshops whenever I get a chance, and to be involved in anything theatre-related—although you won’t catch me on the stage, just behind it!

Why did you wish to join this board/committee?

I wished to join the WKRAC board to give back more to arts and culture and make an impact regionally. I also wanted to share the experiences and knowledge I have gained while connecting and learning from others.

What do you think people in the region should be proud of in terms of arts, culture and heritage?

I think they should be proud of the positive impact that arts and culture has on communities, especially with the limited resources and rural nature of our region. I am amazed at what is created—by artists and organizations—with so little.

What advice do you have for people in the region pursuing a career in arts, culture and heritage?

Remember that you are not alone and take opportunities to connect with other creatives and use the resources available. Also be professional!

What vision do you see for the future of arts, culture and heritage in the Kootenays?

I see continued growth and development for arts, culture and heritage by working together across the Kootenays. This will create further positive impact, vibrant communities and greater access to the arts for everyone.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

HOW HAVE WE SUPPORTED ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE OVER THE PAST YEAR?

We’re excited to explore this answer with you at the annual general meeting of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council:

  • Thursday, November 2, 2023
  • 1 p.m. Pacific / 2 p.m. Mountain
  • online through Zoom.

We look forward to reflecting on the past year and sharing what we heard during this summer’s Kootenay Art Connect events.

You’ll also have the opportunity to share your own efforts, voice your needs and seek advice on issues your organization may be facing. You’ll connect with other arts-focused people and organizations across the region to hear what they’re doing, learn from one another and exchange information and resources.

Members and non-members are welcome, with voting reserved for members. (Below, see how to become a member, plus view AGM voting details.)

RSVP to the AGM by Monday, October 30, 2023.

CLICK HERE TO ATTEND THE AGM.


Not a member yet? Become one now!

Your dues help us support the arts, culture and heritage sector throughout the Columbia Basin. This includes valuable resources like:

Plus, you’ll be helping us administer the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance granting programs, funded by Columbia Basin Trust, which provide direct financial support to artists and arts organizations in our region.

CLICK HERE TO PAY ONLINE

CLICK HERE TO PAY BY MAIL/CHEQUE

Thank you for your contribution to arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin!


AGM Voting

  • Organization members: One representative from each member organization can vote on behalf of the organization.
  • Individual members: Each member has one vote on their own behalf.
  • Non-members wanting to attend the AGM are welcome, but not allowed to vote.

Our Shared Digital Future: Survey

As artists and arts organizers in smaller and rural communities in the Kootenays, and north up to Valemount, many of us experience isolation. As we build our practices and seek to connect, digital technologies have become more relevant to our individual and collective work.

We know first-hand what it is like to feel alone. We also know the power of community working together to build the resources we need.

As a partner and advocate for the arts and culture sector, the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council wants to help build a collaborative, connected arts sector throughout the region. As we develop resources for the sector, we would love to learn about your digital technology needs and priorities.

If you’re involved in the arts in the East Kootenay, the West Kootenay or Valemount, we invite you to fill out out this short survey. You could win a $150 Gift Card to Save-On-Foods!

SURVEY CLOSED

Questions or comments? Contact outreach@wkcommunications.

Arts, culture & heritage included in Trust draft plan

Columbia Basin Trust recently released the draft of its new Columbia Basin Management Plan, which will guide its activities into the future. The plan includes the aim to “support opportunities for Basin residents to enjoy a range of arts, culture and heritage opportunities in the region.”

The Trust now wants to hear your feedback on the plan.

“I encourage you to review it and share your thoughts through the survey,” says Kallee Lins, Executive Director, West Kootenay Regional Arts Council. “Let’s thank the Trust for hearing the arts community and naming us as a core component of strong communities.”

The draft plan reflects feedback the Trust continuously receives from Basin residents, as well as from its recent community engagement process, called Our Trust, Our Future.

Since the plan will guide the Trust in the longer term, it encompasses a broad reflection of the desires of Basin residents, while remaining open and flexible enough to respond to changing needs and conditions in the Basin over time.

To read the draft plan and provide input, visit ourtrust.org/draftcbmp by September 20, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. MT and fill in the Trust’s survey. You can also call 1.800.505.8998 or email [email protected] to request a hard copy and share your feedback.

The Trust will use the feedback to refine the plan, and then aims to share the finalized plan with the public in early 2024.

Kootenay arts & culture has its say in BC budget consultation

In early August 2023, the British Columbia government received recommendations for its next provincial budget, including how it should approach arts and culture. Thank you to all the Kootenay-based arts and culture organizations that took part!

The Province’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services released the report after holding a public consultation on the provincial budget, which included hearing 375 presentations and receiving 387 written submissions, including those from our own region.

At the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council, we were eager to take part. Advocacy like this is essential as we strive to support a thriving arts, culture and heritage sector and act as a catalyst to build capacity throughout the creative ecology.

Overall, the committee heard the need for increased funding to the BC Arts Council, additional investment in rural arts, and support for the arts to further Indigenous reconciliation.

Here are a few of the thoughts submitted by us and other Kootenay organizations:

  • West Kootenay Regional Arts Council: Funding for Indigenous arts, culture and heritage must be sustainable and reflect the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
  • Capitol Theatre Restoration Society: The arts have a significant economic impact by stimulating tourism, attracting investment and generating employment opportunities.
  • Key City Theatre: Eligibility for funding should be expanded, and funds increased to allow more arts and culture organizations to access funding.
  • Capitol Theatre Restoration Society and Key City Theatre: Stable operating funding for rural cultural and arts organizations is vital to fulfill BC’s mandate toward truth and reconciliation, as it enables outreach and engagement efforts to build relationships with Indigenous peoples, supports collaboration on Indigenous-led projects, and facilitates the development of relevant programming in collaboration with Indigenous communities.
  • Nelson and District Arts Council: There should be increased funding for the BC Arts Council, and rural artists and arts organizations need more opportunities to access this funding.
  • Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society: Museums play multiple roles: as a core element of the educational system, a support for truth and reconciliation, a place for families to connect and enjoy themselves, and a key element in tourism infrastructure.

Read the full report here, with arts and culture appearing on page 19.

HELP US MAKE THE CULTURE TOUR EVEN BETTER

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2023 Columbia Basin Culture Tour! With over 110 venues, the weekend was a great success. We appreciate everyone who took part in enjoying and supporting arts, culture and heritage in the region.

To make the tour even better in future years, we’d love your feedback. If you’re a member of the public who visited one or more venues during the tour, please complete our short survey. You could win a $100 gift certificate to Cowan’s office and art supply store!

(Note: If you were a venue, we’ve sent you an email for a survey specifically tailored to you!)

The deadline to submit the survey is 11 p.m. Pacific / 12 p.m. Mountain on August 31, 2023.

We appreciate your feedback!

THIS SURVEY IS CLOSED.