History

  • The Quesnel and District Community Arts Council (QDCAC) was incorperated on November 21st, 1973, under certificate number S-10568. The Arts Council is a not-for-profit society whose mandate is to initiate, promote, and develop understanding, involvement and support for arts, heritage and culture. This responsibility is fulfilled through advocacy, education, coordination, amd communication, for the enrichment of the lives of the people and Quesnel and District.

    In 1986, it became evident that there were community issues and benefits that transcended the municipal boundaries. In order to advance the well-being of the entire community and address the existing issues and potential benefits, the Sub-Regional Recreation Commission was established.

    Key community arts, agricultural and recreation representatives spent countless hours facing the laborious task of pulling three diverse user groups into a cemented partnership. By the fall of 1987, public endorsement elevated daily and "We're Pulling Together" became the call for harmony. In November, 1988, the referendum was passed. Quesnel now proudly hosts Alex Fraser Park which serves our agricultural community, the Quesnel and District Community Twin Arenas, and the Arts Center. The Arts Center, funded with a substantial donation from the Ketchum family and West Fraser Mills, Ltd., was build adjoining the sub-regional recreation facility and was renamed the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Center.

    The QDCAC, its member groups and standing committees, have enjoyed the patronage of the Joint-Planning Committee since that time.

Mission Statement

Image The purpose of the Quesnel and District Arts Council (QDCAC) is to increase and broaden the opportunities for Quesnel and District citizens to enjoy and participate in arts, cultural and heritage activities:
- To help coordinate the work and programs of arts, heritage and cultural groups in the area
- To stimulate and encourage the development of arts, heritage and cultural projects and activities
- To render service to all participating member groups and individual
- To act as a clearing house for information on arts, heritage and cultural projects and activities in our city, region, and province
- To foster interest and pride in the arts, heritage and culture of this community
- To interpret the work of individuals and arts, heritage and cultural groups to the community; enlist public interest; and promote public understanding
- To bring to the attention of civic, provincial and federal authorities, the arts, heritage, and cultureal needs of this area
- To disburse moneys made available for arts, heritage and cultural activities in the area.

Services

The services provided for the promotion, education, communication and advocacy of the arts, heritage and culture in our community are shared by the Quesnel and District Arts Council, its member groups and individuals, its standing committees and by the Arts Coordinator of the Arts and Recreation Center. This finely woven interdependency operates through monthly meetings, mutual respect and a sense of sharing common goals.

The operation of the Quesnel and District Community Arts and Recreation Center and the salary of the Arts Coordinator is funded by the Joint-Planning Committee and is administered by the City of Quesnel. The Arts Coordinator is responsible for art, heritage and cultural programs, offered within the Quesnel and District area, and is often consulted and participates in community projects and special events. The effective administration of this leadership role has resulted in arts programming generating revenues, for the Arts and Recreation Center, in excess of budgeted expectations.

One function of the Arts Coordinator is to act as liaison with the Arts Council. Publications, programs and promotions from the Arts and Recreation Center further the efforts of the Arts Council's member groups and have the visionary goals of the Council itself. In turn, the Arts Council's member groups, individuals and committees promote programs offered at the Arts Center.

Together, these groups have chosen to use the Arts and Recreation Center as a venue for the celebration of our community's uniqueness on occasions such as:
- Art Gallery officially opened 1990
- The athlete's Plar Village and Ice Castle established during Quesnel's hosting of the 2000 BC Winter Games event
- 'Celebration of the Arts' annual Arts and Culture provincial celebration
- 'Arts Fest' (the final selection for B.C.'s regional-juried arts show) hosted annually since 1996
- Art Calendars created for sale in 1988/1989/1990/1991
- 'Holly and Ivy' Fair 1991-2001
- 'Empty Bowls' Project 1998
- 'Art Walk' headquarters 2000/2001/2002
-'Gallery of Honour' 2003, 2006

The Atrium- contains the largest selection of donated artwork on permanent display in BC. The official opening took place in February, 2006 and the art work can be viewed at the Arts & Recreation Center.

As well, the QDCAC:
- annually administers and distributes supporting funds from the Assumbly of BC Arts to group members, and
- provides annual scholarship Awards to high school graduates