The Gabriola Arts Council has a new collection of sound and light gear that is available for use by GAC members for public events. Supported by a $12,000 Collaborative Spaces grant through the BC Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, GAC has purchased high-quality performance speakers and stands, a woofer, a wireless sound board, a portable tower speaker, a wireless microphone, and assorted cables and accessories. In the new year, an LED lighting system will round out the collection.

All of the gear is available for use at no charge, although borrowers must be a member of GAC, and must also confirm that a trained and qualified operator will be setting up and running the equipment. Equipment must be reserved in advance. The equipment is not to be used for private functions, although is available for both ticketed and free public events. None of the equipment is intended for off-island use.

The large speakers have already been used for a number of public events, including at the Music Festival in September, the Purple Kush’n performance in October, the Remembrance Day performance at the Community Hall, and the Christmas Alive event in December.

The Collaborative Spaces grant was part of the Creative Economy Strategy directing $1.5 million toward collaborative arts spaces over three years. The program promotes artistic creation, increases shared resources, facilitates collaboration, and enhances accessibility for artists and audiences throughout B.C.

Follow this link for information about borrowing the equipment.