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Whistler Arts Council gets $17,701 grant from BCAC

Funds allocated to programs, services and events including ArtWalk
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Musicals and Movies Whistler Singers and the Whistler Community Band rehearse for their Monday, May 5 show at Millennium Place. Photo Submitted

The Whistler Arts Council (WAC) has received at grant of $17,701 from the British Columbia Arts Council, one of six arts and culture organizations in the West Vancouver and Sea to Sky corridor to gain funding.

"The $17,701 is part of our basic operating grant from the BC Arts Council and is allocated to a number of WAC programs, services and events including ArtWalk and other community programs," said executive director Doti Niedermayer in an email.

"A portion of the funding is an Annual Performance Fund given to only a few arts councils in the province that have shown significant activity and relevance in their communities. We are honoured and pleased to be considered for this grant. With it we are able to continue enhancing Whistler with a variety of arts and cultural events."

The BC Arts Council gave the following feedback to the WAC: 

Artistic Achievement: "A high-functioning arts council presenting and producing high-calibre shows, programs and festivals was noted by advisors. The WAC's budget allows for excellence, but so too does the very competent direction."

Community Engagement: "There was no doubt to Advisors that the WAC has earned the respect at a very high level and deserves its great responsibilities."

Organizational Capacity: "The Committee noted a very busy and competent arts council with a steady flow of activity. A powerhouse board was noted, with obvious skill recruitment and new cultural plans linked to economic development."

As well, the Britannia Mine Museum Society on the Sea to Sky Highway at Britannia Beach received $57,000.

Another recipient of BCAC funding is Squamish writer Janice Redford, who received $6,000 in scholarship funding. Redford is a student in the MFA Creative Writing program at the University of British Columbia.

Bands for Whistler Presents to be announced in May

The musical lineup for this summer's Whistler Presents concert series is due out in May.

Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden said there were fewer dates this year, because they were focusing on attracting quality over quantity.

"One of the things we've been working with is the change and extension of the dates for performances by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra," Wilhelm-Morden said.

"There was a concentration on tracking down some really good acts... the idea is not to encourage people to come to Whistler to hear a specific band, the idea is to come to Whistler because there is always something going on."

The series is now in its fourth year.

Artist in residence reception for painter Wolcoski

Painter Corrinne Wolcoski is being welcome for her artist in residency at the Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler with a reception.

It takes place at the gallery on Saturday, May 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wolcoski, a Vancouver-based painter of large contemporary landscapes, will be artist in residence from May 1 to 7.

Submissions open for Whistler Film Festival

Film submissions for competition in six juried categories have now opened for the 14th Whistler Film Festival, taking place this year from Dec. 3 to 7. It will feature up to 90 films, 40 features and 50 shorts.

Categories include the Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature, World Documentary Film Award, Mountain Culture Award, the International and Canadian Shortwork Awards, and the BC Student Shortwork Award.

The Borsos Award has a C$15,000 first prize, the second largest cash festival prize for a Canadian film after the Toronto International Film Festival.

All feature-length films are eligible for the audience award selection by the festival-going public.

Early deadline for submission is May 30 (with an entry discount), the regular film deadline is June 30, July 31 is the late film deadline and extended late film deadline is Aug. 8.

Submission guidelines are available at www.whistlerfilmfestival.com.

Musicals and Movies at Millennium Place

The Whistler Singers and the Whistler Community Band are teaming up for a concert of songs from popular Musicals and Movies.

Disney favourites such as Beauty and the Beast and Tangled as well as musicals like Rent, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, and The Sound of Music will be performed. The concert is suitable for all ages. 

"Both the choir and the band are very much grassroots community groups and represent a true cross-section of Whistlerites from age 13 and well beyond," said organizer Alison Hunter in an email.

"The members of both groups have put their hearts and souls into preparing for this concert."

It takes place on Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Whistler Arts Council at $10 for adults and $5 for children. 

Gabriel nominated for Leo Award

Squamish Nation actor, Swo-Wo Gabriel, has been nominated for a Leo Award, handed out by British Columbia's film and television industry.

Gabriel has been nominated as Best Supporting Performance for an Actor in a Dramatic Series for Blackstone – Reap What You Sow, where he plays a recurring role as Tim Henry.

He has previous acting experience, most notably in the last Twilight movie.

24-Hour Drum Event at HSSS

Howe Sound Secondary School in Squamish is hosting the second annual 24-Hour Drum Event on Friday, May 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event promotes aboriginal awareness in local communities with the theme of culture and sports. The event is free and open to the public.

Performers and representatives include Lil'wat Nation band Kalan Wi, three-time world champion hoop dancer Alex Wells, Erralyn Thomas, Mike James, and the Git Hayetsk Dancers.

Events will also include a human library, where visitors can "check out" a First Nations person to have a face-to-face conversation about aboriginal culture. There is also food and an auction.

Proceeds from the event will be donated towards playground equipment for the Samahquam First Nation.

Foyer Gallery fundraiser

The Foyer Gallery in the Squamish Public Library is holding its annual fundraiser on Monday, May 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The gallery holds a Foyer Gallery Friends sponsorship as part of the gala. For $50, ticketholders are entered into a draw for a piece of original artwork by an artist member of the gallery. The pieces are valued at over $100 and more than 45 artists donated work to the draw.

There is also a live art demonstration, an online silent auction and a door prize.