Gabriola Arts Council Wins Islands Trust Community Stewardship Award

'RITE OF PASSAGE' BY DEBORAH DALLYN: PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONED BY THE GABRIOLA ARTS COUNCIL, 2015.

The Gabriola Arts Council (GAC) will receive the Islands Trust Community Stewardship Award in the Organization Category. The Islands Trust Council announced the recipients on June 22 on Lasqueti Island. GAC is among eight winners being recognized for protecting and preserving the unique environment of B.C.'s island communities.

Susan Yates, who co-nominated GAC for the recognition, said that GAC "has supported, promoted, expanded, and in every way enhanced arts and culture on Gabriola Island for 20 years … I can think of no other agency that has contributed so greatly to the artistic and social growth of our island. They bring beauty, joy, pride and cohesiveness to our community in every way imaginable, while contributing greatly to economic and social growth in ways that are environmentally sustainable."

“This award recognizes two decades of hard work and dedication by hundreds of Gabriola Arts Council board members, staff, and volunteers. Together, these people have built a thriving Arts Council that is committed to creating a community that provides a rich cultural life," says Charlie Cheffins, GAC president. "This award is testament to the value our community places on arts and culture, and will inspire the current staff and directors to even greater things in the years to come."

The award will be presented to the Gabriola Arts Council this fall. A full list of Community Stewardship Award winners can be found here.