PROJECTS HIGHLIGHT BASIN ARTS AND CULTURE

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.

Métis capote (image credit: www.hbcheritage.ca)

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.”

The approximate location where the new kiln will go.

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.

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.”