A number of local art institutes and organizations are celebrating B.C. Arts and Culture Week taking place all this week.
Sponsored by the B.C. Art Council, the week fosters awareness of the vital role arts and culture plays in all aspects of our lives.
“British Columbia has the highest number of artists per capita in Canada. British Columbians enthusiastically support the arts. With just over 13 per cent of the Canada’s population, British Columbia accounted for nearly 16 per cent of total attendance at arts performances nationally in 2012,” said Coralee Oakes, minister of community, sport and cultural development.
On Thursday, the Vernon Performing Arts Centre is offering a tour of its indoor commissioned artwork and current Coatcheck Gallery exhibit.
The tours start at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and admission is free.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public can take an outdoor tour of the artwork on the Performing Arts Centre’s grounds. An information sheet is available at the Ticket Seller box office at the centre for the self-guided stroll around the outside of the building to see the community artwork.
Saturday’s outdoor tour can be coordinated with a 30 minute backstage technical tour led by the centre’s technical director, starting at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. (Meet at the stage door, located on the east side of the building.)
Another special event coordinated during the week is the Vernon ArtWalk, which takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Starting at the Vernon Public Art Gallery, participants can pick up a map for the self-guided tour of several not-for-profit, charitable, and commercial art spaces in downtown Vernon.
“Bring a group of friends, grab a java along the way and soak up the culture all around us,” said Marissa Brown, with the VPAG. “Help us celebrate this (B.C.)-wide event by supporting local artists, arts organizations, and museums on this special day.”
Participating groups include the VPAG, Vernon Community Arts Centre, Vernon Museum, Gallery Vertigo, the Performing Arts Centre, the Bean Scene Coffee House, and Nadine’s Fine Art and Framing.
For more information on B.C. Arts and Culture Week, visit www.bcartscouncil.ca.
