Arts Councils were formed throughout BC in the 1950’s. The definition is ‘a non-profit volunteer based service organization whose purpose is to stimulate and develop arts and activities at the local level.’

Through access to provincial grants and with the expectation that municipalities would follow, these service organizations continue to support and enhance the cultural life in communities throughout BC.

In this past month it has just become very much easier for the Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula’s to fulfill this goal.

After 17 years of securing these grants and offering the community a wide range of arts events, including art shows, author readings, assistance to musical and other member groups, children’s art classes and supporting arts related events of other groups, the CAC now has a new location that will not only make everything so much easier but help it to play out its role as a community service group fostering the arts.

The building at Tulista Park has been unused for a long while and when the Town of Sidney called for proposals for use, the Arts Council saw the potential for not only an office to centralize its activities but also a space for a community gallery, areas for children’s art classes and space for small meetings and workshops. The proposal submitted to the Town was chosen over others as it was seen to be able to bring a vibrancy to the area and the activities complimented the surrounding park.

Within days of assuming occupancy members quickly organized the first event: Artisans @ Christmas, a showcase of work by local artists, weavers, painters, potters and jewelers. The show is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until December 23.

You are invited to drop by and visit the new Community Art Centre at Tulista!

One of the activities that underlines the role the Arts Council plays is the support of arts for children.

At the last monthly meeting of School District #63 this Arts Council was pleased to be able to present a cheque for $5,000. These funds came from the Arts Council’s fund raising and from a generous donation by Dee Balin and from a raffle held on a donation from Craig Benson of one of his bronze sculpted and very appealing seal heads.

This cheque presented to the school district will enable teachers to use the talents of a theatre set designer, a music and dance specialist and a poet to lead classes in writing.