Behind the Scenes: Q&A with Lily Andersen, WKRAC Staff 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. We also have great employees!
Who are these people? In this series, we’re introducing you to the folks behind the scenes.
Lily Andersen, WKRAC Grants Officer and Operations Manager
If you phone or email the WKRAC office concerning CKCA grants or the Columbia Basin Culture Tour—or for any other reason—there’s a good chance you’ll connect with Lily Andersen. A Nelson resident, Lily works as our Grants Officer and Operations Manager.
WKRAC: When did you join WKRAC, and why did working here appeal to you?
LA: I joined WKRAC in 2017 as a part-time contractor and my position has grown over the years into a full-time Grants Officer position.
As a graduate of the Selkirk College jewellery program, and with a history of film production, I was drawn to the direct connection to the local arts community and the opportunity to have an impact on it.
What are the main things you do in your position?
Primarily I administer the CKCA grant program, which is funded by Columbia Basin Trust. My work with WKRAC includes the entire life cycle of each grant, from the initial consultation with applicants to the completion of projects. Mainly I engage directly with the public (both individuals and arts and culture organizations) in the Columbia Basin about the grants. I also build the applications for our annual intake, host grant workshops and take care of the ongoing administration for all grants throughout the year.
I also assist with organizing our annual Columbia Basin Culture Tour, plus take care of operations for the organization.
How did you come to call the Columbia Basin home?
I was raised in the Slocan Valley and lived there until I was 17. Next, I attended college on Vancouver Island and lived between British Columbia and the U.S. for the next 25 years. I returned to the Columbia Basin in 2015 to attend Selkirk College and have remained here ever since.
Are you involved in arts, culture and heritage outside of your work with WKRAC/CKCA? If so, what is your discipline or practice?
In 2015 I enrolled in the Selkirk College jewellery program and studied metalsmithing. My art practice consists of the design, creation and sale of my work.
What do you think people in the region should be proud of in terms of arts, culture and heritage?
The volume of artists in the region is inspiring. We should be proud of the concentration of full-time artists, as well as heritage organizations, in this area.
What advice do you have for people in the region pursuing a career in arts, culture and heritage?
My advice to anyone living rurally is to broaden their audience. The summer markets are amazing for our local makers, but a broader customer base outside of the Basin is the most effective way to pursue a financially viable business and career in the area. Also, participate in local grant funding opportunities!
What vision do you see for the future of arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin?
The future of arts, culture and heritage in the Basin is in the hands of the practising artists and the organizations that house locally made products in the area. We need to support museums, galleries, event venues and local makers. My hope is that more people will shop locally in order to support our communities within the Basin, especially now that there is instability in our trade relations with the U.S.