Pemberton Arts Council seeks community input

A SURVEY IS UNDERWAY UNTIL FEB. 28 TO HELP THE ORGANIZATION WITH ITS 2023 PROGRAMMING

BY ALYSSA NOEL

AFTER A FEW COMPLICATED pandemic years, the Pemberton Arts Council (PAC) wants to check in with Pembertonians.

The organization took a bit of a hiatus during the height of COVID, but came back strong last year with a sold-out Mountain Muse Festival and the Outside Voices Mural Project (which awarded the mural space at the health centre to artist Dave Petko).

But now, with possibilities wide open for 2023, the arts council is turning to the community with a short survey and two volunteer opportunities in hopes of best serving Pemberton moving forward.

“I know that the community of Pemberton is changing pretty rapidly,” says Anna Lynch, executive director of PAC. “There are lots of people coming in, but there are also lots of longtime locals. The survey is to find out who we’re serving and what the priorities in the community are now.”

The five-minute survey, open until Feb. 28, will help the organization choose its programming going forward. (And if that’s not enough incentive, anyone who completes it will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card donated by the Pemberton Valley Supermarket.)

It’s open now at pembertonartscouncil. com/communitysurvey.

“Our mandate is to be able to offer local artists and creative professionals work opportunities and showcase opportunities to help develop their careers,” Lynch says. “The other side of it is to be able to offer the Pemberton community, Pemberton Meadows, and surrounding areas the opportunity to participate in local arts and culture events and promote community wellness and belonging.”

PAC is also hosting two other volunteer opportunities for locals to take part in. One is a one-off roundtable meeting for other arts-andculture service providers in Pemberton. At that meeting, stakeholders will review the results of the survey and determine, collectively, how they can meet community needs. (For more, email pembertonartscouncil@gmail.com.)

Individuals, meanwhile, are also invited to join the PAC volunteer committee and “volunteer their time to help our organization grow and develop our local arts scene,” Lynch says.

The time commitment is a few hours each month throughout the year. The different committees seeking volunteers include marketing and communications, programming, and fund development.

For more, those interested can visit pembertonartscouncil.com/volunteer.

“Once we’re doing programming in the summer, we’ll have more in-person, handson opportunities,” Lynch adds. “This is more about planning and helping us prioritize those events that people are looking for.”

Early respondents to the survey suggest more young, single people have moved to Pemberton recently, she adds. “From living here, there is a sense that there are a lot of people here for the season, but living in Pemberton rather than Whistler now. It’s that group of people that are most looking for new opportunities to connect, because they’re new to town. But there’s also a need for local families to have activities for kids and activities to connect to other families.”

While PAC is waiting for its consultation period to wrap up—and funding to be secured—before it officially announces any programming for the year, planning is underway for both another instalment of the Mountain Muse Festival and another mural project. ArtHOP, meanwhile, is expected to be replaced by another exhibit.

“We’re also hoping to do a fundraiser in the spring,” Lynch says. “People should watch out for that.” n

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

WHISTLER WINETASTIC PRESENTED BY REMAX SEA TO SKY REAL ESTATE Macdonald Ballroom, Fairmont Chateau Whistler

6:45pm to 7:30pm | VIP First Sip - $30* (inclusive)

*Main event ticket required as well. Exclusive special pours only available at VIP First Sip.

7:30pm | Main Event - $95 (inclusive)

A unique wine tasting event with live entertainment and an extensive collection of wine, beer, spirits and delectable appetizers from local restaurants including Portobello, Bearfoot Bistro, Caramba/Quattro, Sidecut, Purebread and more.

AN UNDERWATER DREAM

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

SUBMERSE GALA PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG Whistler Conference Centre

7:00pm-midnight | $275 (inclusive)

Dive into a world of vibrant coral reef and magical kelp forests. Enjoy mingling with mermaids, cocktails with whales and dancing with dolphins. Our deep sea performers, art installations and delicious cuisine will leave you truly spellbound.

To purchase tickets or sign up a team, please visit: WHISTLERBLACKCOMBFOUNDATION.COM

PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE

Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/local-events