About Us
The Salmon Arm Arts Centre is operated by Shuswap District Arts Council, a non-profit organization founded in 1970
Our Mandates
The Shuswap District Arts Council is the central coordinating body of the Shuswap arts community, providing a place for the arts to be exhibited, experienced and enjoyed.
The Salmon Arm Art Gallery’s mandate is to share, educate, record, challenge and inspire participation in the visual arts, enhancing our common experience. SAAG strives to present significant contemporary Canadian art to the Shuswap area, as well as celebrate mid-career regional artists while addressing current social issues.
Art is for Everyone: The best way to get involved or to exhibit at SAAG is to become a member and participate in community exhibitions. Opportunities for emerging artists can be found in open and selected group exhibitions.
Shuswap District Arts Council Board of Directors
The Shuswap District Arts Council was established in 1970, with an enthusiastic and dedicated board of directors. Today the board works towards sustainability goals, inclusivity, equity and arts based community development.
2023/24 Board of Directors
Delores Mori
Tracy Eliason
Susan Miller
Shannon Hecker
Ryon Ready
Kimm Magill-Hoffman
Cultural Consultant: Louis Thomas
City of Salmon Arm Representative: Louise Wallace-Richmond
Salmon Arm Arts Centre Staff
Salmon Arm Arts Centre was established in 1994 with a team of dedicated volunteers. Today a staff of seven run 15 interdisciplinary arts programs within and outside of the Centre.
Salmon Arm Arts Centre Staff
Christie Watson, Executive Director
Tracey Kutschker, Curator
Astrid Varnes, Program Manager
Damen Archard, Director of Communications
Mavis Reagan, Financial Officer
Eric Kutschker, Preparator
Wren Rathbone, Facilitator
3 Year Strategic Directions
Build Relationships
Develop private sector relationships with the wider community to expand our sponsorship engagement and increase cross-sector awareness of our programs.
Address Climate Change
Reduce our consumption, create an experiential learning environment for our education program, and advocate for renewable energy changes to the Arts Centre.
Member Benefits
Clarify the roles of and benefits to members, donors and artists by utilizing the front desk reception area to inform, and offer professional development opportunities as the need arises.
Indigenous Engagement
Develop more and deeper relationships with the Indigenous community to help remake Canada in this era of reconciliation.
the Building
Salmon Arm Arts Centre is located at 70 Hudson Ave NE inside a heritage brick building in downtown Salmon Arm. Built in 1937 as Salmon Arm's first post office, the building has been a public library, and since 1994, the Arts Centre. The community Art Gallery features natural light through Palladian windows and original maple hardwood floors.
The lower level is home to Lisa Figueroa’s artist studio (open to the public), the Salmon Arm Pottery Club’s studio, and the Sorting Room workspace.
Rentals
Lower Level Sorting Room Studio
The Arts Council makes its main workroom in the lower level of the Arts Centre available for short-term or long-term daily, weekly or monthly rentals. This shared space is designed for working artists and small groups seeking temporary studio space. Renters must be members of the Arts Centre.
Availability: Sundays and Fridays all day, Thursdays after 1pm.
Rates:
One time rental: $40 for 4 hours or less, or $80 per day.
Multi-day rental: $25 for 4 hours or less, or $50 per day, based on minimum 4 sessions.
Equipment: Kitchen available without supplies. Three large work tables, up to 25 chairs.
Salmon Arm Art Gallery
The Art Gallery is available during non-open hours for use by arts groups for small venue arts events, ie. concerts, recitals, literary events. A request for rental must be made in person at the Arts Centre office where the rental policy agreement can be viewed, discussed and signed by the renter. Renters must be current members of Salmon Arm Arts Centre. Events that are not permitted in the Gallery include fundraisers, art auctions, weddings/receptions/birthday parties, political or religious events.
Availability: Most Mondays all day. Tuesdays through Saturdays after 4pm. Some dates are unavailable due to exhibition installations.
Capacity: Maximum number of persons permitted in the gallery at one time is 70. Seated audience 50, tabled seating 36. These numbers subject to reduction depending on the exhibition. Some exhibitions will be unable to accommodate rentals.
Rates: $250 for 4 hours or less, $300 for 5 hours or more. Set up and take down must be done within the time frame of the rental.
Deposit: $100 deposit is required for events open to the public, serving liquor and/or food. Renters give up the deposit if the gallery is not left tidy and intact.
Equipment: Rectangular 6-foot tables (8) and 3-foot tables (4), 60 chairs. Kitchen has service for 60. Public address system with 4 outlets: $50. Digital projector $50. The Arts Centre aims to be a zero-waste facility.
