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An Ongoing Series of Free Lectures and Presentations that Celebrate the Creative Okanagan

Okanagan Institute

Click here for schedule
and information.

Arts Council of the Central Okanagan is a resource centre and advocate for the arts in Kelowna and Central Okanagan. Find us at:
203-1905 Evergreen Court,
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9L4
Phone: 250.861.4123
Fax: 250.861.4155
Email: Click here

Our Special Mug!
The perfect accent for home and office. And practical too.
Get Yours Now!

Situated on Okanagan Lake and surrounded by vineyards and orchards, Kelowna and the Central Okanagan have a myriad of outdoor and cultural activities to explore year-round. For more information, click here.

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ť The early days of the Arts Council were documented in 1967 by the Daily Courier.
Read all about it.

Join the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan today and you will:
ť Meet people who are involved in our arts community, and stay informed.
ť Become eligible for group member grants.
ť Have a worthy advocate to protect your artistic and cultural rights.
ť Be able to join ARTSCO's special projects.
Click here to apply.

Arts Council of the Central Okanagan

Financial support for ARTSCO is provided in part by:

Regional District of the Central Okanagan

Support Our Valued Sponsors:

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Arts Council of the Central Okanagan (ARTSCO)

Arts Council of the Central Okanagan is a non-profit organization that is the underlying support for anything and everything that is art.
What is art? NoÖ not just paintings, its way more than that! It includes writing, music, sculptures, printmaking, media arts, dance, theatre, design and the list goes on!
Art is culture, entertainment, recreation, lifestyle and worldview.

THE ARTS INCLUDE ALL! THE ARTS INCLUDE YOU!

The Arts Council of the Central Okanagan (Formally Kelowna and District Arts Council) was founded in 1953 and faltered due to a lack of facilities. A community initiative was launched and led by the Federation of University Woman to re-establish and incorporate the Arts Council on June 6, 1966 with a grant from the Koerner Foundation and provincial Parks and Recreation Department. The Arts Council of the Central Okanagan has been proudly serving the community since.

Why does the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan support anything and everything that is art?
Arts and culture shaped our society; it contributes to the quality of our lives, helping us express who we are and where we come from.
Our Mission

To enrich the cultural life in our community, through supporting, strengthening and promoting all art disciplines and tradition and encouraging education in, and appreciation of, all aspects of the arts.
Our Vision

That all disciplines and traditions of arts, culture and heritage be made available and accessible for all to experience and enjoy!

What does the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan Do?
The Arts Council of the Central Okanagan supports, advocates, strengthens and promotes all art disciplines and traditions. We do this through our programs, events, and advocacy.
The Arts Council of the Central Okanagan has been the starting point for several successful artists and art organizations in our region. We also work hard behind the scenes to maintain and enrich the cultural life in our community.
Other important community contributions include:

Working to save the Laurel and the Growers' building for the community.

Lobbied to have the Arts included in the school curriculum.

Lobbyied successfully to have the Arts included in the Official Community Plan.

Lobbied to establish the CBC radio, as well as arts radio programming to this area

Working to establish the Arts Development Officer for the City of Kelowna with the belief that cultural tourism would benefit the entire community.

STATEMENT OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

To act as an arts resource, providing artists and the community with linkage, information, and access to local, regional, national, and international arts resources and communities

To cultivate, support, and promote local cultural and artistic activities

To encourage strategic partnerships among our member groups

To support, encourage, and acknowledge young and emerging artists

To foster the development and strengthening of cultural policy

To voice to all levels of government the needs and concerns of the arts in the region

To provide community recognition for creativity and arts excellence

To increase the understanding of Arts Council's role and its value to the Central Okanagan's community

How does the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan do all that it does?
With a big thanks to our members, donors and volunteers who make it all possible!
We are always excited to hear from new volunteers and donors

For information about the Board and Management Team, click here.
For more information on our history and past events click here
For our Privacy Policiy, click here.

Arts Council of the Central Okanagan

203-1905 Evergreen Court, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9L4
Telephone: 250.861.4123 | Fax: 250.861.4155 | Email: Click here

Design and hosting: Okanagan Institute