Around the Columbia Basin, artists and arts and culture organizations have exciting plans when it comes to creating and sharing art, music, theatre and much more. Through funding from Columbia Basin Trust, delivered by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), 126 such projects—ranging from writing novels, to completing murals, to teaching quillwork—are receiving more than $512,000 in 2024/25.

The CKCA is a project of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council and distributes funding on behalf of Columbia Basin Trust. See all the current projects here.

Here are a few examples:

The Métis capote has existed as far back as the 1600s: a handmade, wrap-style coat made of European textiles fashioned through Indigenous techniques. This fall, the Rocky Mountain Métis Association will be hosting a workshop in Cranbrook so that 11 Métis artists, crafters and citizens can learn how to make capotes, led by Métis Elder Doreen Bergum alongside Maxine Adshead, an accomplished Métis artist and crafter.

“Revitalizing Métis culture through arts and culture is critical; strong cultural foundations are the basis of health and well-being, allowing individuals to thrive,” said Deborah McPhee, Community Cultural Services Coordinator. “Making capotes is a piece of Métis culture lost through colonization, so this workshop will facilitate the transmission of Métis knowledge and practices, literally wrapping the participants in Métis culture.”

On its rural Ymir Arts Centre property, the Renascence Arts and Sustainability Society is installing a wood-fired soda kiln for ceramics, in partnership with ceramicist Hannah Rane. It will be the only one around that will be publicly accessible. This activity is part of the society’s planned multi-purpose rural arts centre project—with the theme “Caring for Rural Arts”— which is taking place on the historic Ymir hospital property. 

“The kiln will provide huge opportunities for the current and growing local ceramics community and the community in general, plus be an incredible stepping stone for nearby ceramics students and graduates,” said Shawn Stephenson, Creative Director. “It will create a fantastic draw to the area and encourage active participation and community involvement in the arts.”

Folks in several locations in the Basin will get a chance to enjoy the songs of Cranbrook musician Maddisun as she brings her Home tour to the region this fall. Weaving together indie-folk, Americana, classic rock and electro-pop, Maddisun’s intimate shows will also feature a range of diverse performers and special guests. The tour will kick off October 25 at The Stage Door in Cranbrook, with further dates to be announced. See details here.

“When I am home in the Kootenays, it only feels right to showcase my songs in the way that feels the most like ‘Home’—by creating a special and connected space to experience the music,” she says. “I plan to showcase my passion for music and songwriting in curated venues, creating excitement for the local arts scene while growing relationships with fans, venue owners, venue staff, local artists and everyone else involved in making the events happen.”

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.

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Denise Baughan, Chair, CKCA

“I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to all applicants for this year’s funding cycle; I am always impressed by the creativity that exists across the Basin. The support of the CKCA and funding from the Trust creates opportunities both for rural professional and emerging artists and for not-for-profit arts organizations to exhibit works, put on shows, host workshops and share their creations. These projects contribute to fostering creativity, connections and community across the region. The CKCA cherishes its ongoing partnership with Columbia Basin Trust, as it plays an important role in nurturing the arts while showcasing the vibrant and unique communities that make up the Basin.”

Justine Cohen, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust

“Columbia Basin Trust is excited to partner with the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council to support projects that enrich our region’s vibrant arts and culture. We congratulate the successful applicants and invite everyone in the Basin to enjoy these creative 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.

Genevieve Robertson, Incoming WKRAC Board Treasurer

Genevieve Robertson is a self-employed artist who lives in Nelson.

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

GR: I initially came to the Kootenays in 2017 to visit and support a friend with the birth of her daughter, but I fell in love with the people and environment here and I never left!

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 visual artist. My practice is grounded in drawing/painting and extends to video, installation, writing and various forms of collaboration. As the climate crisis intensifies, my interest in cross-sectoral bridging between arts and environmental fields of practice is increasing.

Why did you wish to join this board/committee?

I had twins in 2021 and wanted to become more active in the arts community again. I also wanted to get a sense of what was happening in the arts sector across the region, and gain board experience at an arts service organization. I have seen how WKRAC and CKCA have such a positive impact on so many artists/organizations, and I wanted to be part of that.

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

We are a remote, largely rural region with a very diverse, effective and accomplished arts community. While many artists are actively engaged in their local communities, many are also reaching out and making ties beyond the Basin in exciting ways. I think the thriving and engaged arts community here is what sets this region apart from many others in British Columbia.

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

Everyone is different and has such a different story, so I have no universal advice … there’s no clear path as an artist, maybe especially one living remotely. For me, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to practice making art in a quieter and supportive place. I think of it like a nurturing home base, and try to get out and experience art and make connections elsewhere also. I think having a group of like-minded artists around (even if it’s small) is integral to life as a creative living remotely.

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

As with the rest of the arts in BC and Canada, I hope we are moving further towards a sector that is equitable, inclusive and supports the research and production of a broad range of practitioners. I also hope that we are moving further towards a reality that includes appropriate remuneration for artists during all cycles of their creative work.

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, October 10, 2024
• noon Pacific / 1 p.m. Mountain
• online through Zoom.

Our AGM this year will include a special resolution to modify our bylaw dictating the number of directors. See the resolution here.

We are also pleased to have Leeza Perehudoff joining us from Selkirk Innovates. Leeza will be sharing about the State of the Basin research initiative, including its Subjective Well-being survey and other data-driven publications that may support arts organizations in their planning and local advocacy.

In addition, we look forward to reflecting on WKRAC’s past year. Plus, 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 Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO ATTEND THE AGM.

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Not a member yet? Become one now!

With your support, we deliver programming to amplify, celebrate and strengthen the cultural sector throughout the Columbia Basin. This includes valuable resources like these:

• Articulate magazine
• Vibrant Basin podcast
• The annual Columbia Basin Culture Tour
• Our cultural event calendar with free listings
• 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!

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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.

Since it launched over two decades ago, Articulate magazine has evolved from a newsprint version to a full-colour magazine. And now it’s time to take it into the modern, digital world!

We’ll still be offering a print issue—expanded page-wise and produced once a year. As always, you’ll be able to pick this up for free at your favourite local venue.

However, we’ll also be introducing a new website this fall that will provide a modern reading experience, complete with more frequent features, more timely news and up-to-date release announcements.

Altogether, this will give Articulate magazine a greater reach and enable us to even better highlight the rich diversity of artists and arts, culture and heritage organizations in the Columbia Basin. The region’s artists and cultural producers will experience greater exposure locally and beyond.

To complement this move forward, the print magazine and its online presence are also receiving a refreshed look. Check out the new banner and logo above, designed by Keiko Creative!

(Also putting the spotlight on arts, culture and heritage in the region, we’re excited to announce that a new season of the Vibrant Basin podcast will be coming in winter 2025.)

2024/25 print issue—submit your ideas ASAP

To create an amazing Articulate publication like always, we need your content ideas.

Send us your pitches:

• by Friday, August 30, 2024 – EXTENDED DEADLINE!
• 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.

The next issue will be distributed in early December 2024 and covers events through to fall 2025, so take that into consideration when submitting your ideas.

Note that, while the magazine previously included events listings, the new online presence will be taking over this role. Continue to submit your events to our online calendar for distribution.

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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!

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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.

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.

Gabe Wolfe, CKCA Steering Committee Member

Living in Rossland, Gabe Wolfe works out of her garage studio making ceramic pots, exploring silk screening and etching techniques, and learning about glazes. She also works as a critical care nurse.

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

GW: I initially moved to Fernie after living on Vancouver Island. I missed the contrast of the seasons. I think I missed winter. I took up skiing and four years later met my now-husband skiing at Whitewater. We moved to Rossland as it was a good fit for us, with easy access to the outdoor activities we like, and I get to work in a bigger hospital with more services and live in a smaller town. The pottery society in the Miners’ Union Hall was directly across the street from where we lived. Things just fell into place here. 

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

Our garage is my pottery studio. I like learning and the studio is a place where I let myself explore ways of making. I didn’t think pottery would lead me to silk screening, etching and the chemistry of glaze making.

Why did you wish to join this board/committee?

I feel it is a privilege to see what creatives in our communities want to show others. If I can help to make these inspirations become a reality, then I can contribute in a small way.

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

We have very talented and capable artists and organizers in the Basin. I see a very inclusive and imaginative creative force here. I’m so impressed with the depth of the projects that come into being. The lived expertise of our artists and mentors is hard to comprehend.

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

Everyone has their own path. Prioritize following the whims that interest you. You never know how your love of something will mesh with someone else’s and a whole new thing will come out of it.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m grateful for the countless hours and energies that people invest of themselves in making life in our area more interesting, beautiful and meaningful.

During the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, fascinating venues open their doors

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SPECIAL NOTE

Our hearts and best wishes go out to all those affected by wildfires.

A handful of Columbia Basin Culture Tour venues have been affected and, unfortunately, will not proceed as planned. See the tour web pages to view which locations have been cancelled. Also follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest updates about how wildfire is affecting the tour.

Otherwise, about 90 other venues around the region are excited to welcome you into their venues to immerse you in this special celebration of local arts, culture and heritage. Enjoy the tour!

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Nearly 100 artists, museums, art galleries, heritage sites and more will open their doors to the public—for free—during the Columbia Basin Culture Tour. Located in communities and rural areas throughout the Columbia Basin, the 16th annual tour takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The people in this region are immensely creative, and it’s always a thrill to see the fruits of their amazing talents,” said Kallee Lins, Executive Director of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council, which organizes the event. “Through the Culture Tour, the public gets to interact with individual artists and others involved in arts, culture and heritage in unique ways, enjoy special events, discover impressive artistic pieces, and maybe head home with a cherished item or two.”

A project of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, the Columbia Basin Culture Tour is supported by Columbia Basin Trust, with additional support provided by Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism and the Province of British Columbia.

With exhibitions, artwork displays, creative-process demonstrations and performances, there is something new to experience at each venue. The tour is self-guided and suitable for all ages.

“I love this event every year!” declares a past participant. “I always discover at least one new-to-me amazing artist.”

Another past participant states, “I have been attending the Culture Tour for more than 10 years and have always enjoyed it.”

To learn more about the Culture Tour, discover the venues and view a map of locations, visit cbculturetour.com. Printed copies of the Columbia Basin Culture Tour directory are also available around the region in locations like art galleries, visitors’ centres, chambers of commerce, hotels and cafés.

To keep up to date with tour happenings, follow @wkartscouncil on Instagram or Facebook.

It’s time to start thinking about what amazing venues you want to visit during the Columbia Basin Culture Tour!

Taking place around the Columbia Basin on Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11, 2024, the tour features nearly 100 venues, from artists’ studios, to museums, to heritage sites.

Check them all out here.

You can also view a pdf of the directory online, or pick up a paper copy at one of many locations.

To keep up to date on the Culture Tour—and everything we do—follow us on Facebook or Instagram and sign up for our newsletter. Also, mark that you’re “going” on our Culture Tour Facebook event.

And please share the word with friends!

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.

Keiko Lee-Hem, CKCA Steering Committee Member

Living in Blewett, Keiko Lee-Hem works as a freelance graphic designer.

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

KLH: In 2011, my extended family was in search of land to build on communally. We were lucky to find a sunny spot in Blewett whose zoning allowed us to build our multi-generational triplex where we all live today. The region’s natural beauty, paired with Nelson’s stellar arts and culture scene, made the decision to relocate a natural one.

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

I work as a freelance graphic designer, which gives me a consistent outlet for digital creation. However, I always come back to my fine arts training, with drawing and printmaking as my primary mediums of expression. I also love the chance to create in community, for instance working on an annual fundraising calendar with the Ink & Moon Collective, doing the Poppy’s Embrace Mural at the Oxygen Centre, and hosting nature-drawing sessions in my garden. 

Why did you wish to join this board/committee?

Joining the steering committee gave me the chance to contribute to the health of the arts in our region, a sector that brings so much vitality and joy to us all. As a person of colour and an immigrant, I also saw value in bringing some representation of these groups into the committee. It was really interesting to learn more about the funding process, as well as about the diverse and creative artists and the projects that are brewing in every corner of the Columbia Basin. Finally, it was a great chance to build community with the other committee members!

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

It’s really special to live in a region with such a strong and well-recognized creative identity that draws people from near and far. We must continue to advocate for and support the arts in all the ways we can, to ensure that this sector remains vital and continues to serve us all.

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

Follow your interests and passions and get involved in your arts community! That can look like so many things, from simply attending events, to volunteering at events, to spearheading something yourself. Being out in the world with your passions puts you in touch with people and opportunities that wouldn’t find you otherwise, and this shared energy will help to build the momentum of your own creative journey.

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Also, make sure to check out Keiko’s chat with host Shayna Jones in our Vibrant Basin podcast, speaking about her holistic approach to design work and how she prioritizes work/life balance.

The Canoe Journey in June 2024 is a powerful assertion of the belief that Indigenous peoples of the region are stewards of the river and the salmon—one of their first foods. This journey highlights the vital connection between their language, culture and the natural environment.

Click here for updates on the journey’s stop in Nelson.

The team for ARTiculate magazine will soon be planning its 46^th issue! We’re proud to offer this long-running resource that contains stories, events and news about arts, culture and heritage in the Columbia Basin.

Now, we hope to make the magazine even better! Please fill out our short survey; your input will help us make sure that we’re meeting the needs of readers and of those involved in the region’s arts, culture and heritage sector.

If you decide to include your email, you could win a $100 gift certificate to Notably: A Book Lover’s Emporium, which ships throughout the region!

The deadline to submit the survey is Friday, June 14, 2024.

THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED