Arts & Culture

The CVRD is proud to play a vital role in enhancing the cultural vitality of the Cowichan Region. Since 2016, the Arts & Culture Division has been committed to the development of the arts and culture sector across the region through a regional arts and culture service function.

This function provides annual funding for sub-regional arts councils, offers opportunities for eligible arts organizations to apply for regional grants-in-aid, and increases collaboration and partnerships among organizations on regional, provincial, and national initiatives. 

 A New Arts & Culture Master Plan

  • Working with Happy Cities, the CVRD has launched its first-ever Arts & Culture Master Plan, which aims to enhance arts and culture opportunities for locals and visitors across the region. 
  • Recognizing that arts and culture are for everyone, the CVRD is seeking community input on arts and culture priorities for the region, to help craft the new Arts & Culture Master Plan.

Share Your Ideas with Us

  • Take the survey open from March 11, 2024 to April 8, 2024
  • Join us in-person on Saturday, March 23rd from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Cowichan Community Centre (find us in the lobby and outside the arena entrance)
  • Join us in-person on Sunday, March 24th at Duncan Seedy Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (find us outside the Siem Lelum Gymnasium

The Arts & Culture Master Plan is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2024, with more community engagement activities to take place over the summer. 

The Arts & Culture Division undertakes a range of responsibilities including:

  • Supporting arts and culture initiatives across the region, through the implementation of the Arts & Culture Master Plan
  • Operating the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
  • Funding sub-regional arts councils throughout the Cowichan Region
  • Providing Regional Arts & Culture Grants for eligible arts & culture organizations who qualify  
  • Facilitating a wide range of initiatives for arts groups and artists to foster collaboration, networking and partnerships 

The central mandate for the Arts & Culture Division is:

  • Provide a diversity of national and international stage performances of the highest caliber at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
  • Nurture the development of arts and culture throughout the Cowichan Region
  • Act as a resource for the arts community and the general public