Some years present more challenges than others and I think we can all agree that 2020 has presented some very difficult challenges. The Gabriola Arts Council has not been immune and found itself swimming in firsts and decisions for pivoting.

After surveying artists and careful consideration, the Board has made the most difficult decision of all and that is cancelling the 24^th annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour. Some artists will be happy, some will be relieved, and some will be disappointed, but with over half of the artists either uneasy about going forward or choosing to close their studios during Tour, and a significant number concerned about the effect on community, the choice was clear. This is not the year to have the Studio Tour.

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We had so much fun with the last 50/50 draw, that we’re doing it again! This time we have a specific mission.

We’re raising funds to fix the acoustics at the Gabriola Arts & Heritage Centre. Anyone who has had a meeting or attended an event in that space would agree, it is difficult to hear.

Our last draw had a final jackpot of $3435 and the winner donated back their $1717.50. Who knows how high the jackpot will climb this time. Draw date is Monday, August 24th at 4pm. Get your tickets today.

WinWin 50/50 tickets here!

Register Now

The Gabriola Arts Council is pleased to announce IoTA Mini! – a smaller workshop-only version of our annual Isle of The Arts Festival. Scheduled to run August 11 to September 3, IoTA Mini! Is the result of careful work over the past few months to craft a festival that minimizes COVID transmission risk while providing an opportunity for our Gabriola community to have a little summer fun and support local artists.

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Applications are now closed. Thank you to those who applied.

Only those who are successful will be contacted.

BACKGROUND AND PROGRAM PRIORITIES

Inspired by GAC’s Mission: to engage, enhance, and inspire the community’s cultural vitality through collaboration, leadership, and service, the Gabriola Artists Support Program was initially intended to support professional development, training, and community engagement with the arts.

As the Gabriola Arts Council assesses the current situation that has resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic, we have come to realize that some artists in our community may be affected by the economic impact of the ministry orders that have been put in place by our federal and provincial health officers. In response the Board of GAC and our Executive Director have decided that GASP! funds could act as a life-line to help the artists/makers/creative/performers survive these times. GAC will make twenty $250 micro grants available., over two time periods, 10 in May and 10 in July. Deadlines for applications are May 15^th and July 15^th.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR GASP! FUNDS

You must be a member of GAC to apply for a GASP! micro grant. You must be a full-time resident of Gabriola, Mudge, or Decourcy Island (Area B) and an artist/maker/creator/performer affected by the current situation. If you are not a member please apply for membership with your grant application by filling out our online form at artsgabriola.ca/membership/.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 15 AT 4PM

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We are sorry to advise that registration for the 2020 Isle of Arts Festival is being postponed due the quickly changing situation with COVID-19, a novel corona virus.

The health and well-being of our community is important to us and we will continue to monitor developments. We will be in touch with updates and you can stay tuned to our IOTA website.

Please take good care of yourselves and each other.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kristina: kristina@artsgabriola.ca