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Arts Council of the Central Okanagan is a resource centre and advocate for the arts in Kelowna and Central Okanagan. Find us at:
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The History of the Arts CouncilIn January 1967 The Kelowna Daily Courier profiled the founding of the Kelowna and District Arts Council in its pages. We reproduce the page - a larger reproduction is available here - and provide a transcription of the text from the page below.
Kelowna, British Columbia, Monday, January 30, 1967 SALUTE TO THE ARTS COUNCIL This Indian sun motif has been chosen as a symbol of the Kelowna and District Arts Council. Based on an Okanagan Indian design, the sun is depicted as a life-giving force in nature and as a symbol of a spirit which inspires and brightens the life of a people. The arts council chose they symbols to represent its desire to cast the light of recognition on individuals who contribute to the cultural development of the community. Designed by Zeljko Kujandzic. Message From President On Arts Council Aims The Kelowna and District Arts Council is the result of the efforts of a group of our citizens who were interested in fostering and promoting the study and encouragement of, and the production of work in the visual, graphic and performing arts in our community. Since its inception on June 6, 1966, it has elected an executive and a board of directors and adopted a flexible constitution. The Arts Council Is gradually beginning to be a voice in our community. IMPORTANT WORK The work of the Arts Council is important because the arts, to a grcat degree, determine "what kind of people we are, what kind of lives we lead and what use we make of ourselves, our time and our country'" The council will attempt to publicize, promote and aid the visual, graphic and performing arts in Kelowna and district. It will attempt to act as a clearing house for the interchange of informaton about artistic and cultural events in our district. It will attempt to be a catalyst in Kelowna and district by encouraging all that is worthy in these fields. At times it may deplore. An arts council cannot impose a cultural facility or activity on a community, but it can be come vocal when what is good and beautiful is short-changed or perhaps overlooked -- by whatever part of our community. It might for example, object when the good and beautiful are relegated to noon hour performances in our schools. It will encourage professional performances and instruction in our community. NOT EASY Depth of excellence, which must be our aim, does not come easily. It only comes after great pain, attention, time and love. To expect that it will .come without these things is to be out of touch with reality. The Arts Council must be honest and open to any reasonable point of view. It must therefore be prepared to listen to all segments of our community. For the Kelowna and District Arts Council, "The time has come to begin," and this supplement is a small part of that beginning. We welcome your support or your criticism.
Community Participation? Why Not Try It Again? In the early days the Kelowna Regatta was an occasion for the people 0f the Kelowna community to get together casually and informally for a day of fun at the lakeshore. It was a "family" affair with picnics and watersports and in the evening sing-songs around the camp fires. Over the years the Regatta became more and more sophisticated and commercialized. The family atmosphere was submerged in a sea of visitors: casualness was lost in organization for competition and formal entertainment: community participation became almost only to serve the tourists. Can something of the earlier community participation and casual atmosphere be regained? The Kclowna and District Arts Council thinks it can. Do the Regatta and a Festival 0f the Arts seem to be improbable associates? The Arts Council thinks not. It thinks that arts can augment and complement the Regatta we know today: that the community can take a greater share in the show: that the atmosphere of a local Happening can be instilled. The council has, therelore, proposed that an arts festival be held coincidental with the Regatta. The term "Arts" would be interpreted broadly: music, from medieval to folk-roll; dancing, from native through ballet to rock-and-roll; painting, from canvasses to sidewalks; handicrafts and hobbycrafts, both dlsplays and demonstrations. The settings for these activities would range from the Community theatre to a corner of a beach or park. Displays might be found anywhere from the museum to the corner grocery store. REMEMBER The visitor to Kelowna at Regatta time could go back to Kalamazoo or Keokuk Bnd say, "Up there In Canada at a placce called Kelowna they've got a Regatta the whole town and everybody gets into -- it's something!" If you have an "Art" activity or are a member of an "Art" group activity, would you give of your time and your artistic talents and accomplishments to help make the Kelowna Regatta something which is indeed Kelowna's? You may have the chance. Arts Council Top Officers Tbe Kelowna and District Community Arts Council is made up of: Rev. Francis Godderis, president; Uldis Arajs, vice-president; Mrs. R. C. Dillabough, secretary; Mrs. Eric Sherlock, treasurer and Mrs. W. J. O'Donnell, publicity. Board of Directors: George Stevenson, Garfield McKinley, Peter Lofts, Charles Patrick. Al Jensen, Frank Orme, Ald. W. T. L. Roadhouse, Mr.. R. T. Graham, Mrs. Bruce Smith, William Cleaver, Zeljko Kujundzic, Mrs. O. C. Steele and Mrs. Ian Sprinkling. A membership campaign for 1967 is now underway, individual cost $2, clubs or society' cost $10. Mail to Box 112. |
Arts Council of the Central Okanagan100-1690 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8T8
Telephone: 250.861.4123 | Fax: 250.861.4155 | Email: Click here
Telephone: 250.861.4123 | Fax: 250.861.4155 | Email: Click here