COMMUNITY HALL & ARTS CENTRE

Donate NOW to the CHAC fund

Click here for the CHAC business plan and other important documents

Our Rich Island Culture
Bowen Island has an abundance of arts and community groups who are in desperate need of a multi-use facility to stage all manner of events, including such activities as: theatre, concerts, community dances, recitals, conferences, film nights, receptions, workshops, meetings, tai chi, and yoga.

Over the course of many years, a variety of locations have been used for community assembly and performance. Most of these facilities are now either inadequate or are no longer available.

Land at Last
In early 2006, the Bowen Island Municipal (BIM) Council agreed to designate civic property for a community hall. Then, in 2008, following recommendations of the Civic Facilities Working Group, a committee of the BIM, Council identified parcels of municipally owned land in Snug Cove for civic facilities. Please view the map to view the location and siting.

A Space for All
The time has come to realize our island's collective dream. The space we envision would be affordable, accessible and have a multitude of uses. It would have seating capacity of 155 - 185; this seating would be retractable, so the hall could be rapidly transformed into a flat-floored space accommodating an array of soft recreational uses such as tai chi and yoga. For more details regarding the concept for a basic Community Hall and Arts Centre, please click here.

A Community Hall is about drawing us together with our neighbours: acting, singing, dancing, playing music, telling stories, relaxing and celebrating our connection with each other. Sharing culture brings richness to any society and encourages a deep community spirit.

Making Dreams Come True
The Community Hall and Arts Centre (CHAC) committee, appointed by BIAC in 2004, is dedicated towards the creation of a home for the arts on Bowen. They have prepared a business plan and have developed and launched a capital fundraising strategy. Stay tuned for a number of exciting events planned in support of an arts building on Bowen.

Help us build our dream by donating to the BIAC Building Fund!

Help build the CHAC Endowment Fund December is a busy time of year on Bowen. It offers many splendid opportunities for our community to come together, to celebrate in song, to join in dance or to be entertained by the many talented neighbours, with whom we share the island. Our craft fairs, choir concerts, theatrical performances and other assemblies all draw us together to revel in a group experience of our vibrant culture. But we are a growing community, with limited and often inadequate venues. This makes it more and more challenging to achieve that connection so important to our collective sense of identity. To ensure our community spirit is nurtured and can continue to thrive, there are many who are dedicated to realizing the dream of opening a civic centre where we can all meet and mingle. From developing a strategy, to securing financing, to designing plans, there's much to be done. Luckily, there's also no shortage of islanders who want to make it happen. The Community Hall and Arts Centre (CHAC) committee of the Bowen Island Arts Council has created one effective way in which individuals can forward the vision of a flourishing centre for all residents. It's an Endowment Fund that was set up last year through the Vancouver Foundation and the BC Arts Renaissance Program. Once a community centre flings open its door, interest from the Endowment will help offset costs and help ensure the operation of the facility is financially viable. The opening balance of the account, established one year ago, was $100,000. That sum was reached when the community donated $50,000, a sum that was matched dollar for dollar by the Vancouver Foundation. Administered by the Bowen Island Community Foundation, the fund has already earned interest of approximately $2500, which will be reinvested. And the CHAC committee has been working to grow the fund in 2008. But they are again turning to the people of Bowen to ask them to invest in arts and culture. Tax receipts are available for donations, but in order to appear on this year's income tax return, contributions must be received before the end of the 2008. Please consider a gift to the Endowment Fund. It's like giving twice, because each dollar contributed will be matched. The investment will help create a legacy that will reap benefits for years to come. To contribute, please write and send a cheque to BIAC (Bowen Island Arts Council), Box 211, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G0. Or submit a donation online. For more information, contact BIAC at .