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Artists Working for Artists in British Columbia, Canada

Abbotsford Arts Council

To act as a resource for local artists while promoting the vision, creativity and energy of the community through the arts.

2387 Ware St, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z6

6048529358

abbotsfordartscouncil.com

Tell us about your organization:

What kinds of installation setup does your space have to offer?

plinths, cabinets, cases, hanging systems, windows, floor space, outdoor stage, storage

Are there artists from specific regions that you are interested in showcasing?

Local Artists

Regional Artists

Is there a specific medium/genre of art making that your organization focuses on?

Contemporary Art

Crafts

Public Art

Sculptural

Textiles

2d works (our members are primarily painters)

Are you a member of CARFAC?

No

Does your organization have a membership(s) that artists can join?

Yes.

abbotsfordartscouncil.com/membership-sign-up

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Do you have an active relationship with the local First Nations and Indigenous communities?

We continue to build meaningful relationships with the local First Nations and Indigenous communities on whose stolen land we operate. Membership fees are waived for members of our Host Nations. Indigenous voices, perspectives, and knowledge are present at the committee, staff, and board level. We had an Indigenous artist in residence for the first time this year at our annual music festival, and we follow Stó:lō protocol.

Do you have a diversity strategy, anti-racism or decolonization statement in place and can it be found on your website?

We are committed to reconciliation and Indiginization of the AAC. Currently, this is primarily through our operation of the Downie Wenjack Legacy Space within the Kariton Gallery. More information on the Legacy Space can be found here: abbbotsfordartscouncil.com/downie-wenjack-legacy-space

What are your current actions and  future commitments to build or maintain your relationship with the First Nations and Indigenous artists and community?

The board will be participating in strategic planning in 2023, and we will be hiring an Indigenous facilitator to help implement calls from the TRC in our governing documents, policies, and procedures, as well as Indiginize the AAC. We are sourcing funding for a permanent position for an Indigenous curator within the Downie Wenjack Legacy Space, and permanent funding for the residency programme within it. We are moving to paying CARFAC fees for all curated exhibitions within the Kariton Gallery and have begun doing so by prioritizing those payments for Indigenous artists.

Are you aware of Indigenous Protocols for the visual arts in your community?

Yes

Do you offer land acknowledgements?

Yes, during events and programs

Yes, on printed matter and promotional materials (postcards, brochures, business cards, etc.)

Yes, but we are currently in the process of updating it

Are there specific power dynamics that your organization has identified? And what are your current actions to address them?

Board members volunteer within the Kariton and are cognizant they are both the authority for staff outside of their volunteer shift and report to staff during their shift. The yearly adjudication process for displaying curated works in the Kariton recognizes individual members bring their biases whether or not they are aware of them. For performing at our music festivals, we prioritize racialized, Indigenous, Black, and/or queer performers. Our hiring practices recognize unpaid or volunteer experience and knowledge gained beyond or outside of educational institutions.

Is your organization accessible via any of the following?

Map of space with room/hallway dimensions

Wheelchair accessibility

What opportunities do you offer for emerging artists?

Artist in Residence

Exhibitions

Workshops

Submission Process

How does your exhibition selection process work?

Curator Invitation

Submissions to a Programming Committe/Jury

Requests for Proposals/Calls for Submissions/ Expression of Interest

Do you offer other methods or opportunities for artists to showcase their works?

Artist Talks

Art Markets/Fairs

Community/Programming (ex: member shows)

Fundraisers

Workshops

What supports do you provide for exhibiting artists?

(Value up to) Insurance

Listings and newsletters

Artist profiles on our social media, 70% of sales of their work

CARFAC Fees

Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for exhibitions?

Group

Performance

Exhibition in other public places

Work in public

Currently, Indigenous artists whose work is in or is leading a workshop in the Downie Wenjack Legacy Space receive CARFAC fees.

Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for digital programming?

N/A\

Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for non-commercial reproductions?

N/A

Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for commercial reproductions?

N/A

Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for artist professional services?

Presentation and consultation fees

For artists in the Downie Wenjack Legacy Space

Other Offered Support for Artists

What accessibility supports do you have for artists?

Ramps

Hanging Height

Alternative Submission Methods (ex: video submissions vs written, etc)

What ways do you compensate artists?

Artwork sales and Commissions

CARFAC Fees

Gallery Shop Sales

Honourariums



Land Acknowledgement

CARFAC BC’s office is located on the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As an organization we strive to support all visual artists in BC, respectful of the original indigenous artists and art forms of BC.