ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
The Campbell River Arts Council was established in 1970 to promote visual and performing arts in the Campbell River area. In 1998 the Arts Council broadened its mandate, defining its new role with a mission statement: to foster awareness and interest in all arts within the community, and to empower, support, and validate the creative efforts of local artists.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ARTS COUNCIL
From 1970 through to 1980 an Arts Showcase was organized to promote local artists. It was a three day event that exhibited the talents of approximately 50 visual artists, potters, weavers and lace makers and was attended by thousands. Other exhibitions were organized, including the annual travelling shows of the Federation of Canadian Artists, as well as Summer Art in Campbell River which featured numerous workshops with many well-known artists. A bursary program was also established to help secondary school students continue their education in the arts.
In 1987, fundraising began for the establishment of a Public Art Gallery. Funding from art auctions, art shows, workshops, gaming, federal and provincial grants and donations from local businesses and individuals helped make this is reality. In 1994, the Municipal Council granted the Arts Council permission to use the former museum as a gallery. In the same year, the Art Gallery formed its own society and the Arts Council and Art Gallery became two separate and distinct entities while they continued to cooperate to promote the arts and artists of the region; a partnership that still exists today.
The first Executive Director of the Arts Council was hired in 1994. In 1998, the Arts Council leased the Sybil Andrews Morgan Cottage to use as a permanent office with space for arts and culture activities. The Arts Council continues to support and fund the Banner Project, Annual Members’ Exhibition, Music for Health, Annual Photo Show, Art in the Hospital and the Campbell River Public Art Program, among others.
50TH ANNIVERSARY
In 2020, the Campbell River Arts Council celebrated its 50th anniversary, having registered as a not-for-profit charity on August 31, 1970. For over 50 years, the Arts Council has evolved into a key organization that contributes to Campbell River’s social, cultural and economic development.
The Arts Council currently manages a wide spectrum of community programs. It manages the historic Sybil Andrews Cottage and Walter Morgan Studio on behalf of the City of Campbell River. It has developed partnerships across health, education, environmental and economic sectors.
Staff
Ken Blackburn, Executive Director
Karen Seaboyer, Administrator
Board of Directors
Penny Gosselin, Chair
Alison Liebel, Vice Chair and Secretary
Myriah Foort, Treasurer
Kristine Nolte, Director
Greg Treadwell, Director