Arts & Culture
The CVRD is proud to play a vital role in enhancing the cultural vitality of the Cowichan Region. Since 2016, the Arts & Culture Division has been committed to the development of the arts and culture sector across the region through a regional arts and culture service function.
This function provides annual funding for sub-regional arts councils, offers opportunities for eligible arts organizations to apply for regional grants-in-aid, and increases collaboration and partnerships among organizations on regional, provincial, and national initiatives.
A New Arts & Culture Master Plan
- Working with Happy Cities, the CVRD has launched its first-ever Arts & Culture Master Plan, which aims to enhance arts and culture opportunities for locals and visitors across the region.
- Recognizing that arts and culture are for everyone, the CVRD is seeking community input on arts and culture priorities for the region, to help craft the new Arts & Culture Master Plan.
Share Your Ideas with Us
- Take the survey open from March 11, 2024 to April 8, 2024
- Join us in-person on Saturday, March 23rd from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Cowichan Community Centre (find us in the lobby and outside the arena entrance)
- Join us in-person on Sunday, March 24th at Duncan Seedy Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (find us outside the Siem Lelum Gymnasium)
The Arts & Culture Master Plan is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2024, with more community engagement activities to take place over the summer.
The Arts & Culture Division undertakes a range of responsibilities including:
- Supporting arts and culture initiatives across the region, through the implementation of the Arts & Culture Master Plan
- Operating the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
- Funding sub-regional arts councils throughout the Cowichan Region
- Providing Regional Arts & Culture Grants for eligible arts & culture organizations who qualify
- Facilitating a wide range of initiatives for arts groups and artists to foster collaboration, networking and partnerships
The central mandate for the Arts & Culture Division is:
- Provide a diversity of national and international stage performances of the highest caliber at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
- Nurture the development of arts and culture throughout the Cowichan Region
- Act as a resource for the arts community and the general public
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Patrick Le Blanc
Manager, Arts & Culture Division
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Laura Stephenson
Administrative Services Supervisor