We still have unclaimed raffle prizes! Click here to see the complete list of winning raffle tickets. We hope you are one of the lucky winners!

We’re collecting feedback on the Cultivate Festival, and want to hear from audience members, performers, volunteers, and vendors. Click here to find your way to the appropriate form. Thanks for taking the time!

Are you interested in joining GAC’s Board of Directors?

Our directors commit to a three-year term, and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Our Nominating Committee is always interested in receiving applications for board positions. Except under special circumstances, we elect new directors at our AGM in February. We are happy to receive applications at any time. Click here to download our application form. You can also complete the online form below. Please note that previous board experience is welcome but is not a requirement. We are committed to mentoring new board members and providing opportunities to gain experience on a nonprofit board.
Read more…

A Community Literary Conversation

Hosted by CBC Radio’s Sheryl MacKay

We’ve closed down online ticket sales and sales at North Road Sports but TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR! Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Five books. Five champions. One winner: Gabriola’s first-ever Battle of the Books features five of your favourite Gabriolans defending the book they believe is the Quintessential Canadian Novel. Sheryl MacKay, arts-lover and host of CBC Radio’s North-by-Northwest, will be host and referee for the evening. Read more…

Check out all the news at the Cultivate website. Review the exciting line-up of theatre and music performances. Register to be a vendor. Purchase tickets. And more!

Cultivate 2019 — August 31 to September 1

Click here for all the details.

Image from the Wonderhead’s show The Wild. Get your tickets today!

The Gabriola community is saddened by the passing of Lesley Harris on May 17th, following a long illness. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family.

Lesley was a long-time Arts Council member, an artist who worked in many media, and a former GAC Board member who served at a critical juncture in the arts council’s history. In 2006, the Board of GAC was suddenly reduced to just three directors—Kathy Ramsey, Katherine Gordon, and Lesley—with a part-time administrator, Liz Steele.

As its president over many years, Kathy reflected, “If there was ever a time that GAC might have folded, that was it, but Lesley worked her butt off to get GAC back onto solid ground. I don’t think it ever crossed her mind to walk away … she believed wholeheartedly in what GAC was about, knew what needed to be done, rolled up her sleeves and got the job done. She was instrumental in laying the groundwork that ensured GAC made it through this difficult time intact and stronger than ever.”

Katherine adds, “Over a year, we reformed the Board structure and developed a new administrative approach. It sounds dry as dust, but never with Lesley on the team … with helpers, lots of wine and chocolate, and lots and lots of laughter, we sweated over it for many nights and weekends. Our efforts concluded with a formal election of nine Board members with the skills to take GAC into the future. The energy Lesley gave to it, and her sheer common sense, was phenomenal. I got to know a woman with the most practical understanding of human nature of anyone I’ve ever met. GAC owes Lesley a large debt for her work in 2006-2007; her legacy lives on today.”

GAC extends its deepest condolences to Lesley’s family and friends. Her irreverent sense of humour, quick wit, fabulous laugh, and her generous and compassionate heart, touched so many in our community. She will be very missed.

There will be a celebration of Lesley’s life in late June or early July. Details to follow. 

Just in time for the Isle of the Arts Festival, GAC has some beautiful and totally functional artist’s aprons for sale. These 100% cotton aprons come with a selection of useful pockets, ready to hold all manner of art-making tools and devices.

You can purchase your apron at the IOTA opening event on Thursday, April 4th, and throughout the Festival. Quantities are limited! Don’t wait!

Only $25!