I view the Prince George and District Community Arts Council as an amazing establishment in our city.
Established in 1968 with a mission to "foster the arts by providing events, programs and services to residents and artists in our community," the council is a haven and catalyst for accomplished and budding artisans which promotes synergistic outcomes.
The complex is located at 2880 15th Ave. and is more commonly known as Studio 2880. It is open to such diverse member groups as cultural and arts groups; performing arts organizations; artisan guilds; creative non-profits; new media organizations; audio and video organizations.
More specifically, members include:
Fibre arts groups - P.G. Quilters Guild; P.G. Fibre Arts Guild; and PG Stitchery Guild.
Visual Arts Groups - 2880 Artists' Workshop; Artists' Co-op; P.G. Photographic Society; P.G. Potters' Guild; P.G. Woodturners' Guild; Hart Crown Plaza; Topaz Bead Gallery; Colour of Glass.
Performing arts groups - there are about 10 members including choral, symphonic and band groups as well as theatrical performance organizations.
Cultural arts groups - consist of such diverse organizations as Two Rivers Gallery and The Exploration Place.
Some groups are housed in the current facility while others are housed in commercial and public spaces in the city.
There is an artist-in-residence program in which an artist (in this case two) is given a studio free of charge for a year while promoting the work of the council.
CAC also offers an amazing gift shop which showcases many of the works of our talented community. Directly adjacent to the gift shop is the feature gallery. Once a month an artist is featured during the reception where they provide a demonstration of their craft. Classes of all different mediums are offered. If you don't see it offered, just ask for it.
The council has gone through some trying times.
With the efforts of Sean Farrell, who has been the executive director since October 2016, the CAC has been taken to new heights by streamlining the operation. By doing so, he has avoided a pending serious financial crisis.
A staff of seven includes two from the AIMHI employment program. New branding is a goal for the 50th anniversary this year. Lisa Redpath has been with the council for seven years and, like many of us, is in awe of Farrell's tenacity to move forward and get things done, with a high priority to create new community partnerships and expand the mandate to a broader audience.
Engagement with our region's youth is on the top of the list by offering Teen Art Workshops and showcasing their talents by partnering with the P.G. Public Library. Pro-D Day and summer camps are also offered.
This year, a series of six professional development workshops entitled The Business of Art will be offered, with professional artists offering practical advice.
Studio Fair is the council's big fundraiser of the year, with more than 150 artists and guilds and partners participating. More than 10,000 people attended Studio Fair at the Civic Centre in 2017.
Six by Six is a fun auction fundraiser in which artist enter three works which must be six inches by six inches. It's a night of fun and treasures.
An aspect of the council that I get much pleasure from is that it is the home of CFIS FM, the community radio station, which has the studio upstairs from the gift shop. Prince George Symphony Orchestra is also housed at the complex as well as several music studios.
Finally, it is no secret that the Community Arts Council's two buildings are ripe for demolition. The die was cast with the announcement in November 2016 that the site behind and adjacent to the Studio 2880 site was proposed to house up to 35 new affordable homes.
The CAC is ready to make an announcement on this and prepare a comprehensive business, capital cost and construction requirement plan for the move to a new site as soon as the city gives the go ahead.
It is important that our city and regional communities support this vital cultural organization during the coming pivotal change.
