Frequently Asked Questions
Who Runs the Arts Centre and Art Gallery?
Shuswap District Arts Council is the name of the society that operates Salmon Arm Arts Centre, which is home to Salmon Arm Art Gallery, artist studios, and the community art collection. The Arts Council manages the Exhibition Program within the Art Gallery, as well as other cultural programs such as Family Saturdays, Wednesday on the Wharf (WOW), Random Acts of Music (RAM), the Salmon Arm Pride Project, School Tours and more!
How can I become a member?
Anyone can become a member of the Arts Centre. Annual memberships are available at a variety of levels. Members receive regular communications on activities of the Arts Centre, as well as being able to participate in open exhibitions and Pro-D opportunities.
How is the Arts Centre funded?
The Arts Council is grateful to receive ongoing support from the City of Salmon Arm, British Columbia Arts Council and the Government of British Columbia through Direct Access (Gaming). Special projects and exhibitions receive support from Canada Council for the Arts and Shuswap Community Foundation. Annual memberships, and donations made by visitors to the Art Gallery and WOW make up approximately 10% of the annual revenue. The Shuswap Community Foundation is the holder of the Arts Council and Art Gallery endowment funds, with annual interest contributing 10% of operating revenue. Sponsors of exhibitions and special events make up an additional 10% of revenue. All of these sources of revenue combine with fundraising efforts to support the Arts Centre in the delivery of its programs.
How can I make my donation when I visit the Art Gallery?
We accept debit, credit, cheque and cash at the Art Gallery’s front desk. We use contact-less Square for your convenience. Recommended donation for a visit to the Art Gallery is $5.
Why do I donate to visit the Art Gallery?
The Arts Council is a non-profit society that relies on donations for about 10% of annual revenue. The Art Gallery strives to operate within the same standards of other public galleries in BC, which means it pays CARFAC fees to exhibiting artists, and maintains professional staff. Supporting contributing artists is an important goal of this Arts Council, and artists cannot pay the rent with exposure.
How can I show my artwork at Salmon Arm Art Gallery?
Get to know us first, and help us get to know you. Become a member to receive emails about upcoming shows and events. Participate in one of our open member exhibitions. Click apply to discover upcoming opportunities and to download expression of interest forms to participate in group curated shows.
What types of exhibitions do you do?
The Arts Council receives support from granting agencies who hold a mandate of arts-based community development, excellence in Canadian art, and supporting professional arts practices. Therefore the Art Gallery’s mandate must support those goals. Within each 3-year focus, specific action plans identify the social issues that the Art Gallery will feature in its exhibitions. Climate crisis, LGBTQ2S+ issues, youth engagement, Indigenous relations and reconciliation have all been central to group curated exhibitions and project planning. Open community exhibitions are designed to give people a new connection to each other and to the Arts Centre, a place where local culture, ideas and identity continue to grow and evolve.
What kind of artists do you support?
The Arts Council supports creativity of every kind! From collaborative public art projects to artist residencies, there is a place for everyone. The Art Gallery’s Exhibition program supports professional, mid-career and emerging artists of all ages in its various offerings. Wednesday On the Wharf supports professional and emerging musicians, both local and touring, in its annual concert series. Family Saturdays supports the tiniest of artists. Random Acts of Music supports youth musicians. The Pride Project supports visual and performing artists within the LGBTQ2S+ community. Art is for everyone, and the Arts Council continually takes the pulse of the Shuswap to discover what wonderful creative project will bring happiness and a sense of belonging to the most people.
Do I have to be a business to become a sponsor?
Any individual, organization or business can sponsor an exhibition, program or the Pride Project, especially if the subject matter excites you! Ask us about what interesting topics are coming up in our exhibition schedule, or discover what we are planning for this year’s Pride Project. All supporters are welcome.
What are the current sponsorship opportunities?
Three main programs rely on sponsorships to exist: Wednesday On the Wharf, the Pride Project, and the Exhibition Program. There are many accessible levels that a person or business can support these programs. Significant annual sponsorships for Random Acts of Music, Family Saturdays and the Education Program are also available.
