Osoyoos & District Arts Council

The purpose of the Arts Council is to broaden the opportunities for residents of the Osoyoos area to enjoy and participate in cultural activities.

The purpose includes the following goals:

• to help coordinate the work and programs of artists and cultural associations in the area
• to stimulate and encourage the development of cultural projects and activities
• to render service to participating groups
• to act as a clearinghouse for information on cultural programs and activities
• to foster pride in the cultural heritage of this community
• to interpret the work of cultural groups to the community and promote public understanding
• to inform civic authorities of the cultural needs of the community.


Events: The Arts Council organizes events to celebrate BC Arts and Culture Week in the third week of April every spring. On alternate years a major fundraiser is presented usually including a dinner, entertainment, a silent auction with contributions from businesses and artists in the community and a live auction of art donated by members of the Osoyoos Painters and Potters. Tickets are pre-sold starting in March and are quickly snapped up. The next fundraiser is slated for April, 2012.

Meetings: The Osoyoos and District Arts Council generally meets on the third Wednesday of the month, alternating between evening meetings (7 p.m.) and morning meetings (10 a.m.). Members are advised of the meetings and receive the minutes and agenda by email.

Meetings are held at the Arts Building above the Osoyoos Art Gallery at 89th and Main Street. New members are always welcome.

Groups: Groups under the Arts Council umbrella include the Osoyoos Art Gallery, Osoyoos Painters & Potters Club, Osoyoos Photography Club, O's Own Writers, Osoyoos Wood Carvers, the Osoyoos Quilters Guild, Osoyoos Concert Series, the South Okanagan Amateur Players (SOAP), South Okanagan Concert Series and Janet Marcotte Music Studio.