Osoyoos & District Arts Council
The Osoyoos Community Arts Council was incorporated in December 1981, and officially changed its name to the Osoyoos & District Arts Council, July 14, 1989.
The purpose of the Arts Council is to broaden the opportunities for residents of the Osoyoos area to enjoy and participate in cultural activities.
The purpose includes the following goals:
• to help coordinate the work and programs of artists and cultural associations in the area
• to stimulate and encourage the development of cultural projects and activities
• to render service to participating groups
• to act as a clearinghouse for information on cultural programs and activities
• to foster pride in the cultural heritage of this community
• to interpret the work of cultural groups to the community and promote public understanding
• to inform civic authorities of the cultural needs of the community.
Events: The Arts Council organizes events to celebrate BC Arts and Culture Week in the third week of April every spring. On alternate years a major fundraiser is presented usually including a dinner, entertainment, a silent auction with contributions from businesses and artists in the community and a live auction of art donated by members of the Osoyoos Painters and Potters. Tickets are pre-sold starting in March and are quickly snapped up. The next fundraiser is slated for April, 2012.Meetings: The Osoyoos and District Arts Council generally meets on the third Wednesday of the month, alternating between evening meetings (7 p.m.) and morning meetings (10 a.m.). Members are advised of the meetings and receive the minutes and agenda by email.
Meetings are held at the Arts Building above the Osoyoos Art Gallery at 89th and Main Street. New members are always welcome.
Groups: Groups under the Arts Council umbrella include the Osoyoos Art Gallery, Osoyoos Painters & Potters Club, Osoyoos Photography Club, O's Own Writers, Osoyoos Wood Carvers, the Osoyoos Quilters Guild, Osoyoos Concert Series, the South Okanagan Amateur Players (SOAP), South Okanagan Concert Series and Janet Marcotte Music Studio.
Nk'Mip Festival of Trees Art Classes for Kids
Osoyoos & District Arts Council, 3rd prize winner
Decorating theme of the tree Sponsord by
The Huron Carol Osoyoos & District Arts Council
(T'was in The Moon of Winter Time)
in support of the
BC Children's Hospital Foundation
Celebrating Osoyoos's Community Organization
Osoyoos Times - December 14, 2011
ORGANIZATION: Osoyoos & District Arts CouncilRepresentative: Sue Whittaker, Chair
What does your organization do in the community?
The Osoyoos Arts Council is an umbrella organization for the Arts, one of many in B.C. We work to increase and broaden the opportunities for residents of the Osoyoos area to enjoy and participate in cultural activities. The Arts Council coordinates the work and programs of artists and cultural associations by maintaining the Osoyoos Arts Centre. The Osoyoos Art Gallery and the Osoyoos Concert Series function as committees of the Art Council. The Artists on Main and the Osoyoos Potters have a “home” for their clubs in the Arts Centre through the work of the Arts Council, as do the O’s Own Writers, the Osoyoos Photography Club, the Osoyoos Wood Carvers and Kids Art Classes. The Arts Council website, www.osoyoosarts.com is up to date and full of information for those seeking to know more.
When was it founded?
The Osoyoos Arts Council was founded in December 1981. Its first President was Ruth Schiller.
How many members does it have?
In 2011 there are 40 members in the Osoyoos & District Arts Council. We are involved in a robust membership drive throughout December with an Early Bird Draw involving concert tickets for those who purchase a membership before December 22, 2011.
What requirements are there for becoming a member?
Anyone interested in arts and culture is welcome to join the Arts Council.
Does it cost anything to become a member?
Membership fees: Single - $10; Family - $15; Club - $20. There is also a Corporate Membership rate.
When and where does your organization have meetings?
Osoyoos Arts Council Meetings are usually held the third Wednesday of the month at 10 am in the meeting room above the Art Gallery in the Osoyoos Arts Centre.
How does your organization raise money?
Arts Councils in B.C. are eligible for a BC Arts Council Grant, annually, on submitting a grant application that meets the guidelines.
If it raises money, where does that money go?
The grant money and other money the Osoyoos Arts Council raises is used to maintain the Osoyoos Arts Centre, help maintain the Osoyoos Art Gallery, and to support cultural groups and artists who request monetary assistance from the Arts Council for community projects. There are no paid Directors. All work as volunteers.
Why is your organization important to the community?
The Arts Council is important because culture is vital to the development of a vibrant community. The Osoyoos Arts Council encourages and supports the development of cultural projects and artistic activity. Think: “The Wild Guys” SOAP production, the Murray McLauchlan Concert, and the seven shows the Osoyoos Art Gallery mounts every year. And the quilters, potters, painters, photographers, writers, wood carvers and kids art classes that engage a couple of hundred people every year in artistic and cultural endeavours. Think: happy, involved, productive, healthy participants.
What challenges does your organization face?
Our challenge is to engage more young families in the arts and bring younger participants into the organization.
What is the one thing the community might not know about your organization?
We are about to launch our third, biennial fundraiser to take place in April 2012 during Arts and Culture Week. You won’t want to miss this great night of food, fun and art. Watch for ads in this paper and info at www.osoyoosarts.com
What are the future plans and goals of your organization?
We are working to develop programs and projects that will appeal to people of all ages and cultural groups in our community. We are looking at providing more art workshops for visitors to Osoyoos as well. Doesn’t two weeks at a local resort honing your painting and writing skills sound like heaven?
What is a recent memorable moment for your organization?
The Osoyoos Arts Council was very fortunate to have a private donor sponsor a tree for us at the Festival of Trees at Nk’Mip Resort this season. We chose the theme of The Huron Carol and our associate club members hand-made every decoration on the tree. Plus, we made it an interactive tree. You gotta go see it!
Who can people contact if they want to get involved with your organization?
Please contact Sue Whittaker at 250 495 7664 if you want to join a group of creative, forward-thinking people.
