Gabriola Arts Council

Engage. Enhance. Inspire.

Every day is a celebration of arts and culture on Gabriola Island—the “Isle of the Arts”—in this community of writers, actors, poets, painters, dancers, musicians, sculptors, and potters. Artists are an important part of the island’s economic and social engine, and the Gabriola Arts Council (GAC) is committed to growing this sector through building audiences, and by increasing accessibility of the arts to people of all ages and interests. GAC supports local artists in all mediums and at all levels, while ensuring that local residents have opportunities to engage with art and artists, and that off-island communities are aware of our rich artistic resources.

GAC’s VISION:  A creative, engaged, and inclusive community sustaining Gabriola’s vibrant island culture.

MISSION:  To engage, enhance, and inspire the community’s cultural vitality through collaboration, leadership, and service.

MANDATE:  AMPLIFY the role of the Arts on Gabriola Island through vibrant artistic and community engagement programs.

SUPPORT: artists and other community members through meaningful resources and services.

ENGAGE:  with Indigenous artists and communities.

SUSTAIN: the financial viability and assure the long-term success of the Arts Council.

GAC’s core purpose is to provide opportunities for community members to engage with the arts, and to support local artists. Our three primary events are designed to fulfil this mandate:

• Isle of the Arts Festival every April, featuring ten days of hands-on arts-based workshops and events;
• Cultivate Festival – 2 days of theatre, 2 days of music, enveloped in art, food, libations and fun. Together we cultivate the arts.
• Thanksgiving Studio Tour – 26th Annual with over 60 studios opening their doors for three days of art bathing.

We offer a year-round Healing Power of Art program. This has been transformative work in our community, for both participants and their families, as well as for the professional artists and arts therapists who are instructors. Programs include:

• Common Ground: An Arts-Based Support Group for Those with a Life-Challenging Illness;
• Intentional Aging: Exploring the Path from Senior to Elder
• Art Friends – an amazing group of diverse ability adults engaging in meaningful art adventures.
• GLOW Lantern Festival – community workshops leading up to an evening of music, performing arts, community and a lantern parade in August