Kootenay Gallery of Art director Val Field weighs in on the state of culture in Castlegar.
Field: We have noticed more artists moving into the area as well as a younger population. They have seen the abundance of recreational activities available but are also interested in the arts and cultural opportunities. We hope to continue to grow to respond to their needs as well as the needs of the existing population.
It is important that we acknowledge how fortunate we are as a gallery and as a community to have such a supportive and proactive municipal government. We are confident that this support will continue on into the future.
There is also a very strong core of people who make things happen. For example, the very successful annual Kootenay Festival, Sunfest, Spring Fling and Fall Fair wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated group of volunteers.
The Kootenay Gallery continues to support regional artists. The exhibition schedule for 2019 reflects this with three major exhibitions focusing on Basin artists along with our annual Young Visions exhibition of art from students from three high schools in School District 20. We will also be hosting an exhibition that is the result of The Hidden Hero Project which is a portrait series celebrating the everyday heroes who live and give in Castlegar.
We will also continue to explore the relocation of the gallery facility to a more accessible and visible location within the City of Castlegar.