The Art of Migration is a new exhibition opportunity for artists in the Columbia Basin. Presented by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, this exhibition pairs Basin artists with newcomers to Canada.
Artists connect with newcomers to learn their story of arriving in Canada, then create a piece of art in their chosen medium to depict the unique challenges, triumphs and realities of the migration process. This opportunity is open to all artists, with preference given to immigrant artists.
Project completion is January 2026, and all art pieces and stories will be exhibited in the eight to 10 participating communities at the start of 2026, with the show ending by March 31, 2026.
The deadline to apply is December 12, 2025. This is a paid opportunity, offering an honorarium of $500 per participating artist.
To apply, email the project coordinator and curator Sharon Roberts at [email protected].
Artists should include a short (three- to five- sentence) paragraph outlining why they want to participate, their name and chosen medium, and one to three photographs of past work.
Also, if you are a venue in the Basin that would like to host this exhibition, please email Sharon to express your interest!
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.
Elaine Wigle, CKCA Steering Committee Member
Rossland’s Elaine Wigle is a part-time jewellery artist.
WKRAC: How did you come to call the Columbia Basin home?
EW: I moved to beautiful, picturesque Rossland from a small ski town in Collingwood, Ontario, 10 years ago. Outdoor life played a big role in our growing family and ultimately my husband and I followed our two sons to BC after they left home and discovered life in the “big mountains.” The Kootenays offer endless adventures and have a vibrant arts community. It has been a perfect fit.
Are you involved in arts, culture and heritage outside of your work with WKRAC/CKCA? If so, what is your discipline or practice?
After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University in the 1980s, I applied the sculpture techniques I learned and began a business designing and fabricating jewellery. At the height of my career, my work was featured in art gallery shops across Canada. These days I consider myself semi-retired. I still create sterling silver jewellery and focus solely on local Kootenay markets. Working with stones and silver remains my preferred medium. I am enjoying the freedom to create more original pieces and am not quite ready to stop.
Why did you wish to join this board/committee?
I served on the board of the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture and chaired the Visual Arts committee for several years. During this time I became familiar with the Kootenay arts community and, through facilitating exhibitions, gained a strong appreciation for the many benefits that WKRAC/CKCA provides for individual artists and arts organizations. I am honored to be involved in supporting artists and arts organizations as they pursue their creative projects.
What do you think people in the region should be proud of in terms of arts, culture and heritage?
The beauty of the Columbia Basin is an inspiring place for all who are fortunate to live here. The diversity of creative expression across all artistic disciplines reflects that inspiration. Our communities share an authentic openness to a wide range of artistic voices, supported by many dedicated people committed to helping the arts and culture of the region flourish.
What advice do you have for people in the region pursuing a career in arts, culture and heritage?
Wholeheartedly explore your ideas and passions. There is much to learn by jumping in and giving things a try. Trust your ideas have merit and value; there will always be an audience for your creative work. Be persistent and network. We are fortunate in this region to have strong supports in place to help you achieve your goals.
What vision do you see for the future of arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin?
My hope and vision is for the continued enthusiasm and growth of the arts in our region. Creative expression is essential to building healthy, vibrant communities.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Be bold. Be brave. Stay open to learning.
“Every artist was once an amateur.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
These grants—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council—are available for all art disciplines, for both individuals and arts and culture organizations in the Columbia Basin.
CKCA’s next application period will open January 12, 2026, and close February 20, 2026, or March 6, 2026, depending on the program.
Q&A sessions
To learn more about these grants and how to apply, attend one of our FREE question-and-answer sessions. The events all take place online through Zoom.
Before you attend a session, we encourage you to watch the latest video about the specific program you’re considering applying to. Note: these videos will be available as of January 12, 2026, when the programs launch. To find the video, select the program that interests you and navigate to that program’s page. Afterwards, come to the Q&A session with your questions.
If you have questions about your specific project, rather than the programs themselves, contact us directly instead of asking them during a session.
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
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.
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.
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.”
Petra Hekkenberg and The Art of Keeping Safe.
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.”
Mask performance. (Image credit: costume by Marcel Cholo, photo by Dave Best.)
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.
“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.
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.
Artisans of Crawford Bay (photo credit: Spencer Legebokoff)
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:
Wire Woman Studio, 2025 Columbia Basin Culture Tour (photo credit: Spencer Legebokoff)
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.)
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:
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.
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.
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