The Northern Rockies Arts Council serves Fort Nelson and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in northeastern British Columbia. Our focus is to engage, support and enhance arts and culture in the area through leadership, collaboration and coordination.
Currently, we host two festivals, Cabin Fever Festival of Arts, an intimate winter evening with music, gallery arts featuring local artists and readings from local authors and their submissions to the Winter Words Writing competition. The online portion of Cabin fever festival invites and inspires all skill levels and all forms of art created and shared by local artists through the online galleries, artist’s connection and open creative activities. Viewers will surely find a great prize draw from the NRAC shopping spree of local arts. Visit our recent Cabin Fever festival here.
We also host an annual Street Festival, getting outdoors in the beautiful September weather, with live local music, artists, food, heritage displays, artful activities and fun contests. Happening at our Heritage Museum. Join us on September 8 & 9, 2023. More information about the street festival here.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build a vibrant and inclusive arts and culture scene in our community that celebrates creativity, fosters connection and inspires individuals to engage with their community meaningfully.
Through collaboration with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders, we aim to provide accessible and diverse opportunities for community members of all ages and backgrounds to participate in and experience the arts.
Our goal is to establish a strong sense of community identity and pride through the arts and to cultivate an environment that values and supports local artists and cultural organizations. We are committed to creating a sustainable and thriving arts and culture scene that enriches the lives of everyone in our community.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a community where arts and culture are at the heart of our identity, and creativity and expression are valued and celebrated. We see a community where people of all ages and backgrounds can access diverse, high-quality arts and culture experiences that inspire, educate, and entertain. We envision a community where local artists and cultural organizations are supported and empowered to create and showcase their work and where the arts serve to build connections and foster social cohesion. Through our efforts, we want to create a community where the arts are a vital component of a healthy and thriving society and where everyone can engage with and benefit from the transformative power of the arts.
Our Values
As an organization dedicated to building arts culture in our community, our values center around creativity, inclusivity, collaboration, and community engagement. We believe in the following:
Creativity: Creativity is essential to a thriving arts culture and should be encouraged and celebrated in all forms, from traditional to modern.
Inclusivity: We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can participate and feel represented.
Collaboration: Collaboration is vital to building a vibrant arts culture, and we seek to develop partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community members to achieve our goals.
Community Engagement: The arts can unite people and create community. We are committed to engaging with our community to create meaningful and impactful skills and cultural experiences.
Accessibility: We believe that the arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. We strive to create opportunities for all community members to participate in and experience the arts.
Sustainability: We believe in creating a sustainable arts culture that supports local artists and cultural organizations and contributes to our community’s economic, social, and environmental well-being.
Our Officers
Tabitha Gilson – President
Passionate about Arts and Culture, I recently took the challenge of acting in the local production of Matilda. It was a great adventure. I look forward to working with the council and community.
Monica Kind – Vice President
Living in Fort Nelson has allowed me to participate and volunteer in events and projects which interest me. I appreciate the Arts and creative artists of all mediums and believe our small community has a strong culture. I enjoy participating and collaborating with my fellow Society members to support our local artists and share their talents through various programs. We are growing yearly, and I am honoured to be a part of the Northern Rockies Arts Council. When I am not at work or volunteering, you might see me on the golf course or walking with my dog and enjoying the outdoors. We need a healthy balance between work and play, so being a member offers me both. Welcome to all members.
Katelyn Vandersteen – Secretary
Seanah Roper – Treasurer
Seanah Roper is a writer of fiction and poetry and a long-term resident of the Northern Rockies. She is passionate about community arts and supporting creators and makers in the region. Seanah completed her BA in English Literature at Thompson Rivers University and her MA in Adult Education and Cultural Studies from Athabasca University. She is the Executive Director of the Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society.