The Botten Family, in conjunction with the Gabriola Arts Council, has created an award in David’s name from the generous donations received in the Spring at his funeral. The David Botten Renaissance Award. The award honours a Gabriola artist who embodies the same passion for the arts that David did and shares them with community and the world.
The 2021 winner was Mikey Swallow.
Join us in celebrating theatre, music & art over four days this Thursday through Sunday, at the 4th Cultivate Festival on Gabriola Island.
Cultivate is about creation, connection, and community. We look forward to seeing you there.
What? Come and enjoy 9 Theatre shows, over 30 music performances, 6 Free workshops, meet 36 local artists and artisans, buy delicious eats from our local food vendors. Kids will enjoy the family-zone entertainment: crafts, activities, face painting + more.
When? 4 days in a row: Thursday June 30th through Sunday July 3rd, 2022
Where? The Gabriola Commons, 675 North Road Gabriola BC
Who? The Gabriola Arts Council is proud to present a festival that reflects the essence of Gabriola. Featuring talented performers from Gabriola and from the across the region. Together we cultivate the arts.
Tickets are available online and at the door
Hello budding videographers! GAC is hosting THREE VIDEO CAMPS this summer:
So much fun for everyone involved, as you will end up leaving the camp with mad skills to produce a short video. Skills you can take with you to create everything from Tik Tok videos to applying for a spot in media school.
So if you are intrigued by making videos or you just want to increase your skill set, sign up for a video camp today!
All the details are here on the GAC Media page.
Gabriola: Together we Triumph – a new $273,000 community grant awarded to GAC
In December of 2021 the Department of Canadian Heritage (DCH) released a grant called Commemorate Canada – Reopening Fund. The grant’s objectives were to increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic (we know it is not over), build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 and support the revival of local economies through in person events. The call gave examples like a commemorative garden or a statue. Carol Fergusson, Executive Director of the Gabriola Arts Council looked at it from a different perspective and took to social media asking community their opinion. Using the feedback as inspiration, the attention of community partners and some creativity, the result was the “big idea”. The Gabriola Museum, the Chamber of Commerce and the Agricultural Association were at the table. Some tweaks were made and a late addition of People for a Healthy Community and the Gabriola Elementary School made it a well-rounded community endeavour. As it would turn out, DCH agreed with the plan and last week the email arrived saying we were successful in securing a $273,000 grant from the Government of Canada, which would have a notable economic impact on the island and an opportunity for community to come together in a variety of ways celebrating their resilience.