Arts have never been so relevant

Arts are integral to the fabric of our community. For almost 25 years, the Bowen Island Arts Council, or BIAC as we are known, has been dedicated to representing and coordinating the creative efforts and programs of all cultural groups. BIAC strives to stimulate the development of arts and cultural projects and activities that result in social and economic benefits for the entire community. BIAC also fosters an interest and pride in the cultural heritage and history of Bowen Island.

BIAC operates the Galley @ Artisan Square, hosts the annual Write on Bowen Festival of Writers, organizes the Bowen Art Walk, Studio Tours and local BC Cultural Crawl, produces the Classical Concert Series, offers an array of programs and art instruction, circulates a weekly Arts & Cultural Events update and sponsors a diversity of concerts, performances and other events. Our various committees are working hard to serve the myriad artists who call Bowen home.

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.

Our staff, committees and dozens of volunteers continue to deliver services and programs in demand on Bowen. The Cultural Master Plan, a bylaw of the Bowen Island Municipality is our guiding document and informs the Strategic Plan, which is regularly reviewed by the Board and staff of BIAC.

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, the Chamber of Commerce, seniors, heritage organizations, business and our municipality. As part of our strategic plan, BIAC is focused on the development of a cultural economic plan.

BIAC is a registered nonprofit agency with charitable tax status. It was founded in May, 1988. As per the Cultural Master Plan, the Bowen Island Municipality recognizes BIAC as the lead advisory body in matters concerning arts and culture.

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.

Please join us!

Board of Directors
Carol Cram, President
Ian Davidson, Treasurer
Andrea Little
Mariana Holbrook
Gayle Ferguson
Maureen Sawasy
Corinne Metcalfe
Marc Baur
Jewel Maxwell

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: Janet Esseiva