about


we're a collaboration lab: exploring opportunities for equity-advancing, arts-enhancing partnerships
We are a collaboration of artists and arts organizations actively forging connections and synergies with sectors such as economic development and tourism. Why? Because art touches everything: it is a fundamental component of community and individual wellness, tourism and business sector vitality, and so much more. Check out our Steering Committee and some of our current projects.
Interested in learning more about our committee or activities?
We are grateful for the momentum generated by the Digital Innovation Group (DIG) - a group of six Vancouver Island and Gulf Island arts councils.
In March 2020, DIG received funding from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund (DSF) to explore ways to use technology to transform how arts councils operate, collaborate and communicate. Check out DIG’s exciting initiatives and accomplishments here: digarts.ca

territory acknowledgement

Creative Coast acknowledges that we work on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples. This map shows the 50+ First Nations who have lived in the Vancouver Island/Gulf Island region for tens of thousands of years.
Many of our team members, and the artists and arts organizations we seek to serve, are visitors on these territories. We acknowledge Indigenous lands to pay respect to the traditional inhabitants of these lands, and to deepen our understanding of Indigenous peoples, the inter-generational impacts of colonization and cultural genocide, and our responsibilities to meaningful reconciliation.
Our organization works towards amplifying the perspectives of Indigenous professionals and artists. We do this by ensuring Indigenous representation on our Steering Committee, hosting Indigenous artists on our Meet Me in the Middle podcast, prioritizing registration of Indigenous participants in our workshops and working collaboratively with Indigenous-led organizations.

labs

The following projects are funded by the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund and the BC Arts Council. Email us to learn more.
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Central Island Digital Creation Hub - what if artists had access to a wide variety of digital/tech tools AND a tech coach! Now open for bookings! (November 2022)
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Info hub pilot - what if arts orgs and artists could cut through the noise and easily find high quality, inclusive, meaningful information to support their work?
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Art coach pilot - what if rural/remote and under-served artist communities had greater access to multi-media tools/technologies and ongoing tech coaching? (Phase 1 completed mid 2022, Phase 2 will be announced early in 2023)

steering committee


Naas
> Steering Committee member
> Illustrator, painter
> Decolonial community builder

Susan Mohler
> Steering Committee member
> Chair, North Vancouver Island Artists Society

Jacqueline East
> Steering Committee member
> Community Planner, Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership