Behind the Scenes: Q&A WITH ROBYN GOLDSMITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARTS REVELSTOKE
The West Kootenay Regional Arts Council (WKRAC) exists to help arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin thrive, including supporting the work of local arts councils.
In this series, we’re introducing you to the folks who oversee these important organizations.
Robyn Goldsmith, Executive Director, Arts Revelstoke
WKRAC: How did you come to call the Columbia Basin home?
RG: I moved to Revelstoke in 2015 after being called to the British Columbia Bar in 2015. I actually moved here to open a law office, but life had other plans for me! I stopped practicing law in 2018 and have been involved in non-profits ever since.
Are you involved in arts, culture and heritage outside of your work with the arts council? If so, what is your discipline or practice?
I am a painter, primarily of watercolours and oils. I also sit on the board of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Society.
When did you join this arts council, and why did joining it appeal to you?
I took on the executive director role in November 2023. I love how dynamic our organization is. We do a lot of programming, including our Performance Series, LUNA Fest and REVY.Live Outside, which keeps things busy and interesting. I love how our work connects the community and exposes our many visitors to what a fabulous and creative place Revelstoke is.
What are the main tasks you do in your position?
I am a bit of a jill of all trades! I do operational things like budgeting, grant writing, staffing and policy, as well as artistic direction, curation and programming.
Why do you think your local arts council is important when it comes to supporting arts and culture in your immediate area?
We provide arts experiences that our community is proud of. We see the majority of locals interacting with our programming in some way, whether it’s strolling through our Art Alleries, dancing at REVY.Live Outside, exploring a transformed downtown Revelstoke during LUNA Fest, or attending a circus show at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre.
What do you think people in the entire Columbia Basin should be proud of in terms of arts, culture and heritage?
The Columbia Basin is an incredible cultural hub, with so many practising artists, public programs, festivals and creative activities. The opportunities to engage with culture here outpace those in much larger centres.
What advice do you have for people in the region pursuing a career in arts, culture and heritage?
Connect with everyone who plays a role in arts, culture and heritage in your community. A connected culture sector is powerful. There are a lot of opportunities that you’ll discover by participating in and connecting with community.
What vision do you see for the future of arts, culture and heritage in the region?
I see a sector that is recognized for its powerful economic contribution—not just as a nice to have, but as a critical driver of growth and stability in our region. I see our region recognized as not only a hub for outdoor adventure, but as a unique region renowned for a flourishing arts and culture sector, creating symbiosis between tourism and the cultural sector. I see people able to make a living through artistic practice, and creative hubs for services like recording music, mentorship and skills development.
Anything else you’d like to add?
The biggest struggle for arts councils and non-profit arts organizations is sustainable funding. We need to work together to advocate for the key role our sector plays as an economic driver, a contributor to community health, and a source of identity, creativity and connection.