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.

Marcel Dou Roig, CKCA Steering Committee Member

Cranbrook’s Marcel Dou Roig is the founder of Bohemian Misfits Productions and performs with the Dean Smith Jazz Combo.

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

MDR: I’m originally from a small town near Barcelona, Catalonia. In my twenties, I immersed myself in the arts—working as an actor, dancer and performer—and travelled the world sharing my craft. I met my wife Bre while working in Florida and eventually moved to Canada, never looking back. We both share a deep love for the mountains, and nothing compares to the magnificent view of the Rockies from home in Cranbrook.

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

After stepping back from my artistic career to start a family, I’ve found my way back into creating. I founded Bohemian Misfits Productions, where I built Ed the Elephant, a life-sized puppet for the Ed Festival, and directed the festival parade. More recently, I’ve begun a new chapter in music, performing with the Dean Smith Jazz Combo—another evolution in my ongoing artistic journey.

Why did you wish to join this board/committee?

CKCA made it possible for me to build Ed the Elephant through its grant support, and I wanted to give back by helping other artists realize their dreams. I know how challenging it can be to gain recognition or even find opportunities to share one’s work. Organizations like WKRAC/CKCA play a vital role in making those dreams attainable, and I’m grateful to contribute to that mission.

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

The Columbia Basin is home to an incredible community of artists, creators and dreamers. This abundance of imagination enriches our towns and reflects the strength of our collective spirit. We should take pride in the inspiration this region fosters, and in the dedication of those who work tirelessly to keep our culture and heritage thriving for generations to come.

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

Jump in headfirst—no fear. The artistic journey is lifelong, full of learning, self-discovery and growth. Embrace every experience, success or failure as part of your creative evolution. No regrets—just stories to tell.

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

I envision a strong network connecting artists, organizations, businesses and venues, collaborating to inspire the next generation of creators and audiences. I believe WKRAC/CKCA can lead this movement, expanding the reach of local artists and showcasing their work across every corner of the Basin and beyond.

Anything else you’d like to add?

To the artist: “If you feel safe in the area that you are working in, you’re not working in the right area.” — David Bowie

To the audience: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” — Cesar A. Cruz

To myself: “There is no must in art because art is free.” — Wassily Kandinsky

Listen to the Vibrant Basin podcast featuring Marcel Dou Roig.

The Nelson & District Arts Council (NDAC) is inviting all arts councils and arts organizations in the region to take part in free upcoming training days, led by Intercultural Kootenays in partnership with NDAC and funded by Canadian Heritage.

These sessions support the development of foundational cultural safety policies—codes of conduct, anti-harassment with cultural-safety components, and equity frameworks—so global majority artists can engage safely and meaningfully.

Each stop includes a half-day on anti-racism, a half-day on decolonial practices, and a hands-on policy lab the following morning, so you leave with practical tools you can implement right away.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

When & Where

Valemount: Best Western Plus Valemount Inn & Suites
1950 Hwy. 5 S., Valemount
• Sat., Oct. 11, 2025: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Equity + Decolonization Training)
• Sun., Oct. 12, 2025: 9 a.m.–11 a.m. (Policy Lab)

Invermere: Copper Point Resort
760 Cooper Rd., Invermere
• Mon., Oct. 13, 2025: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Equity + Decolonization Training)
• Tue., Oct. 14, 2025: 9 a.m.–11 a.m. (Policy Lab)

Fernie: Fernie Arts Station
601 1 Ave., Fernie
• Wed., Oct. 15, 2025: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Equity + Decolonization Training)
• Thu., Oct. 16, 2025: 9 a.m.–11 a.m. (Policy Lab)

Creston: Ramada by Wyndham Creston
1 1809 Hwy. 3A, Creston
• Fri., Oct. 17, 2025: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Equity + Decolonization Training)
• Sat., Oct. 18, 2025: 9 a.m.–11 a.m. (Policy Lab)

Silverton: Silverton Memorial Hall
203 Lake Ave., Silverton
• Sat., Oct. 25, 2025: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Equity + Decolonization Training)
• Sun., Oct. 26, 2025: 9 a.m.–11 a.m. (Policy Lab)

Salmo: Salmo Art Church
304 Main St., Salmo
• Sat., Nov. 1, 2025: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Equity + Decolonization Training)
• Sun., Nov. 2, 2025: 12 p.m.–2 p.m. (Policy Lab)

Who Should Attend

Executive directors, board members, program staff and volunteers—anyone shaping policy, programming, HR or community engagement.

What to Bring

• Any current or draft policies (if you have them)
• A laptop or notebook 
• Your own lunch, snacks, and a water bottle

Please share this invitation with partner organizations in your community.

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.”

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.

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.

Sharon Stearns, CKCA Steering Committee Member

Valemount resident Sharon Stearns is the artistic producer of Wishbone Theatre Productions.

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

SS: Aside from being drawn to the natural beauty of the land, and wanting to live in a place where it felt like nature was still bigger than humans, I have enjoyed 25 years of teaching theatre and music programs in the local schools. This evolved into creating my theatre company, Wishbone Productions.

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

I am a theatre artist and artistic producer of Wishbone Theatre Productions, a company based in the Robson Valley community of Valemount. We produce original theatre and music pieces and play to local audiences, as well as tour our shows further afield. I am predominantly a playwright, although I also act and direct, and have worked with theatre companies across Canada over my 40-year career. I also teach theatre both privately and within the public school system.

Why did you wish to join this board/committee?

Wishbone Theatre has received funding support from CKCA for many of our shows over the 17 years I have been based in Valemount. This has helped me build a solid core ensemble of theatre artists and a dedicated audience. Being a part of the board gives me an opportunity to show my appreciation. I am also able to increase my awareness and understanding of all the exciting art disciplines spread throughout the Columbia Basin and offer my voice of support.

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

A strong, vibrant arts and cultural sector contributes so much to the vitality of communities, and sense of connection to communities.

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

If you are passionate about your arts discipline, use this passion to fuel your commitment and dedication to your craft. Any creative endeavour involves vulnerability. Going out on a creative limb is hard, going further can be harder, and the payoff is always worth it, especially when it develops and hones your skills.

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

My vision includes a community where artists and art are valued, and their creative work is supported and sustainable.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Arts-based education and community recognition of its importance is an essential component to fostering a thriving arts and culture community.

The West Kootenay Regional Arts Council is prepping to go on the road! Sign up below to indicate your attendance.

Every so often, we get the itch to abandon the Zoom calls and make some good, old-fashioned, face-to-face connections.

That’s why Kallee Lins, our Executive Director, and Lily Andersen, our Grants Officer and Operations Manager, are heading in mid-September 2025 to a few communities we don’t often get to visit in person.

Cranbrook, Fernie, Invermere and Golden—this means you!

We want to meet the folks involved in arts, culture and heritage in these locations (and surrounding areas). We’ll learn about you and your needs, while you’ll learn more about:

• grants you could apply for from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance
• WKRAC programs you could participate in, like Articulate magazine and the Columbia Basin Culture Tour
• the broader ways we help people like you carry out your arts, culture and heritage activities more effectively.

The get-togethers will be casual, but we ask you to RSVP to help us plan appropriately. Click the link for your location:

• CRANBROOK: REGISTER HERE
  • Monday, September 15, 2025
  • 4 p.m.
  • Key City Theatre, 20 14 Ave. N., Cranbrook
  • This event is graciously co-hosted by Key City Theatre.
• FERNIE: REGISTER HERE
  • Tuesday, September 16, 2025
  • 4 p.m.
  • Fernie Arts Station, 601 1 Ave., Fernie
  • This event is graciously co-hosted by the Fernie Arts Station.
• INVERMERE: REGISTER HERE
  • Wednesday, September 17, 2025
  • 12:30 p.m.
  • Pynelogs Arts & Cultural Centre, 1720 4 Ave., Invermere
  • This event is graciously co-hosted by Columbia Valley Arts.
• GOLDEN: REGISTER HERE
  • Wednesday, September 17, 2025
  • 5:30 p.m.
  • Art Gallery of Golden, 516 9 Ave. N., Golden
  • This event is graciously co-hosted by Kicking Horse Culture.

Please register by Thursday, September 11, 2025.

We hope to see you there!

ATTEND OUR AGM—AND ENJOY A GREAT NEW REASON TO BECOME A MEMBER!

Becoming a member of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council and attending our annual general meeting is always useful and interesting. But this year, we’ve added a unique reason for organizations to become a member: the new Basin ArtSafe initiative.

Launching in November 2025, Basin ArtSafe aims to enhance workplace safety for cultural producers in the Columbia Basin, while supporting cultural sector employers in meeting WorkSafeBC requirements. Learn more here, attend our AGM for even more details, and plan to take advantage by signing up your organization as a member or renewing its membership if you haven’t already.

Individuals are welcome to become WKRAC members, too!

Attend our AGM

Join us as we reflect on WKRAC’s past year:

• Thursday, October 16, 2025
• noon Pacific / 1 p.m. Mountain
• online through Zoom.

You’ll hear from Maggie Shirley and Nate Gerber, who will provide updates on their exploration of digital needs within the cultural sector.

In addition, you’ll 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 Thursday, October 9, 2025.

CLICK HERE TO ATTEND THE AGM.

Not a member yet? Become one now!

As a member, you’ll be able to vote during the AGM and organizations will be able to access Basin ArtSafe. You’ll also be helping us deliver programming to amplify, celebrate and strengthen the cultural sector throughout the Columbia Basin. This includes valuable resources like these:

• Articulate magazine and Vibrant Basin podcast
• The annual Columbia Basin Culture Tour
• Our cultural events calendar with free listings
• A sector-wide Joint Health and Safety Committee
• Ongoing sector news and updates about arts policy and advocacy opportunities.

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.

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.

Susan Bernhardt, WKRAC Bookkeeper

WKRAC: When did you join WKRAC, and why did working here appeal to you? 

SB: WKRAC was my first bookkeeping job when my family and I moved to the Kootenays in 2014. I love non-profit accounting, and it was a great fit as I started to learn about the Kootenays and call them home. 

What are the main things you do in your position? 

I’m in charge of the WKRAC finances which includes monitoring the day-to-day revenue and expenses, as well as managing the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance grant payments. 

How did you come to call the Columbia Basin home? 

My husband Kevin got a job in Nelson 11 years ago. At that time, I had to Google map Nelson to find it on a map – I had no idea where it was! We took a trip out here and fell in love with the place; we felt we could give our four kids a 1970’s childhood. At the time, I didn’t know what the Columbia Basin would offer my career in non-profit accounting. 

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

I have read that you need to have three types of hobbies in your life: one for your mind, one for your body, and one for your creativity.  I love to read for my mind. I love to hike and bike (especially here in the West Kootenays!) for my body.  Strangely, my creative outlet has become balance sheets and income statements. It gives me great joy to make them accessible and understandable to support the people I work with – it’s my palette! 

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

I love how arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin is so accessible and easy to find.  In larger cities where I lived, participating in arts & culture events would require long commutes into the city where arts and culture would happen.  Here in the Kootenays, it is easy to access theatre and art installations close by – and even heritage along hiking and bike trails! 

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

The Columbia Basin is such a unique place because people have chosen to pursue careers in arts, culture and heritage. Artists and traditional knowledge keepers hold an important role in our region through both their contributions to our economy and to the uniqueness of the culture of this area. 

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

The Columbia Basin covers a large area filled with diverse communities and people.  This is a unique position to hold. In a world full of polarization and division, I hope the people of the Columbia Basin continue to unite through active engagement in art and storytelling which fosters connection, understanding and shared identity. 

WKRAC is pleased to announce a new initiative aimed at enhancing workplace safety for cultural producers in the Columbia Basin, while supporting cultural sector employers in meeting WorkSafeBC requirements.

Launching in November 2025, WKRAC will host a Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) open to participation from member organizations. This shared committee model is designed to provide both employers and employees with:

• Access to safety skills training
• A formalized structure for meeting WorkSafeBC regulations
• Peer support to address health and safety challenges as they arise

Many arts and culture organizations in our region are small enough that they are not required to establish their own Joint Health & Safety Committee. This new shared model offers these organizations a valuable opportunity to access the benefits of a JHSC without the administrative burden of forming one independently. By participating in WKRAC’s committee, members can still benefit from a proactive, collaborative approach to workplace safety.

A JHSC plays a vital role in promoting a culture of safety. The committee brings together representatives from all levels of an organization to:

• Identify and address potential hazards
• Investigate incidents and recommend improvements
• Advise on safety policies and training programs
• Monitor compliance with occupational health and safety standards

Are you a WKRAC member?
Complete the intake form to request a seat on the Joint Health & Safety Committee.

Not a member yet? Register your organization today!

Since it launched over two decades ago, Articulate magazine has evolved from a newsprint version to a full-colour magazine, and recently, a new website!

We continue to produce an annual print issue available for free at your favourite local venue.

2026 print issue—submit your ideas now

Articulate magazine highlights the rich diversity of artists and arts, culture and heritage organizations in the Columbia Basin. To do that, we need your help!

Send us your pitches:

• by Wednesday, September 10, 2025
• to Margaret Tessman, Editor, at [email protected].

We’ll assign the articles to writers, so don’t send completed stories, please. Just send a quick email with the who, what, when, where and why of your idea or news item, and who the contact person is. Also briefly explain why you think this story would be of interest to a broad range of readers.

We’re on the lookout for information about interesting people, timely happenings or community news, with a focus on the arts, culture and heritage of the Basin. We’re also interested in tips on new releases of books, films and music. Browse recent stories online for a sense of editorial priorities.

The next issue will be distributed in December 2025 and covers events through to fall/winter 2026, so take that into consideration when submitting your ideas.

Note that, while the magazine previously included events listings, our online calendar continues to provide this function. Submit your events to our online calendar for distribution.

Request a copy
Get Articulate magazine mailed to your home or business—for free—by clicking here.

Advertising
Discover our competitive rates to feature your business in this widely read print publication, all while helping to support news focusing on our arts, culture and heritage community. Articulate is distributed to cultural venues like theatres, bookstores and galleries, as well as to hotels, cafés and many other high-traffic locations. Email to learn more: [email protected]. 

Writers
We are always on the lookout for writers to take on story assignments. Interested? Send us an expression of interest and a brief writing sample and we will reply with a copy of our editorial guidelines. Pssst: We pay our contributors!

NOTE: To continue receiving notifications about calls for Articulate content in the future, please make sure to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.