BOWEN ISLAND ARTS COUNCIL

The lead advisory body to the Bowen Island Municipality for matters concerning arts and culture, the Bowen Island Arts Council is one of the most vivacious organizations on the island. Founded over 20 years ago, the non profit acts as an arts umbrella for individuals and arts and cultural groups, creating, supporting and promoting opportunities for local artists. In addition to operating the Gallery @ Artisan Square, the organization offers a host of programs and services.

2009-2010 Board & Staff of the Bowen Island Arts Council
Standing: Carol Cram, Betty Dhont, David Hughes, Ginger Erskine, Sarah Haxby, Jennifer Hall, Andrea Little, Ann Ramsay, Ian Davidson
Front row: Jacqueline Massey, Carol Fancy, Ross Cone, Mariana Holbrook
Missing: Gayle Ferguson, Elizabeth Fitzgerald

With a mandate to represent and coordinate cultural groups, stimulate and encourage the development of projects and activities, foster interest and pride in the cultural heritage of the island and promote an awareness of the cultural, educational and recreational needs of Bowen, BIAC has a lot on its plate. In addition to its other goals, the Bowen Island Municipality has given it the task of implementing the Cultural Master Plan, which was added to Bowen's Official Community Plan in 2005.

Our committees and programs reflect a wide spectrum of the arts, and the diverse disciplines, genres and practises found on Bowen Island.

During the past year, in addition to presenting 15 exhibits, the Gallery ran a number of arts programs, organized artist studio tours and the local leg of the BC Cultural Crawl. BIAC hosts the annual Write on Bowen! Festival and sponsors an array of events and activities including the Bowen Island Music Arts monthly Open Mic at the Happy Isle. The organization played a key role in organizing the 2010 Torch Relay Community Celebration and 3rd Annual Island Winterfest during Spirit of BC Week, which coincided with the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Members of BIAC's Community Hall and Arts Centre (CHAC) committee continue to develop strategy and advocate for a civic facility. They've worked tirelessly alongside others dedicated to a shared vision and are now putting efforts behind launching an action plan, including a capital fundraising campaign. They've also established an Endowment Fund for a building, to be used to help offset operating costs once a facility opens. We encourage you to donate now and receive a tax receipt for your gift.

BIAC plays an advocacy role, promoting awareness and understanding of the significant role arts and culture play in enhancing the economic and social welfare of the community. We coordinate and participate in community-building events with the wider population, including educational institutions, seniors, heritage organizations, business and our municipality.
As part of our strategic plan, BIAC is focused on the development of a cultural economic plan.

The arts council acknowledges and is thankful for the core funding it receives from the Bowen Island Municipality. BIM's support represents approximately 25% of the total $150,000 operating budget of the charitable organization. Other revenues are raised through sales commissions on artworks and other artistic products, programming fees, donations, grants and through fundraising efforts. Everyone is welcome to join the Bowen Island Arts Council and help arts and culture flourish on our island home.

To download the Membership Application Form, click here.

BIAC gratefully acknowledges the support of the Bowen Island Municipality, the BC Arts Council and the Province of British Columbia. BIAC also thanks all its wonderful members and our community for their fine support of our arts and culture.

Board of Directors
Carol Cram, President
David Hughes, Vice-President
Andrea Little, Secretary
Ian Davidson, Treasurer

Directors at Large:
Mariana Holbrook
Betty Dhont
Carol Fancy
Sarah Haxby
Ross Cone
Jennifer Hall
Gayle Ferguson
Ginger Lee Erskine

OFFICE: located at The Gallery, Artisan Square,
589 Artisan Square, Box 211, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

Website: www.biac.ca
E-mail:
Phone: 604-947-2454
Executive Director: Jacqueline M. Massey
Gallery Coordinator/Curator: Elizabeth Fitzgerald