Arrow Lakes Region Takes Stock of Local Arts, Culture and Heritage

Arrow Lakes Community Arts Council used its $5,000 from Creative Communities to conduct a cultural map, which included inventory collecting, public consultation, and a review of best practices. The cultural map included the Arrow Lakes regions of Trout Lake, Galena Bay, Nakusp, Summit Lake, Arrow Park, Burton, Fauquier and Edgewood. The council conducted a survey, individual reviews, and public forums.

Early forums were held in Nakusp and Edgewood, and assessed strengths and gaps of arts, heritage and culture in the region. A later forum took place after months of research and offered the findings, the presentation of a Cultural Vision, a best practices review of the Okanagan Corridor and Nelson, and six key strategic directions with 35 recommendations for action. Through this project, the Arrow Lakes communities now have a profile of local arts, cultural and heritage organizations. This has helped them to reach more people throughout the region, and increase the economic base for arts and cultural activity.

Creative Communities assists local governments to take stock of their cultural assets and identify strengths and challenges in their local arts and cultural sector. The program also guides governments through community consultations to determine how and where to expand local arts and cultural programs and projects. The program is supported by the Province of British Columbia.