qathet ART believes in the essential role of the arts, screen, cultural and creative sectors in contributing to the transformational change for a more environmentally sustainable region.
We work directly with individuals, organizations and artist groups engaged across cultural and sustainability sectors to harness the role of culture in achieving this change. Through year-round work and one-off projects, we support artistic practices that address innovation, sustainability and climate change.
qathet ART (qA) provides opportunities for the importance of artists as purveyors of critical comment and inspiration within the cultural community. The organization aims to confront habitual behaviour and push for experimentation, change, new growth and ideas. Currently qA has prioritized work needed to confront our colonial past and encourage diverse modes of expression.
qathet ART’s priority work for 2025/26 are:
- supporting intersectional awareness of Youth, Women and Senior Artists facing inequality. We welcome all forms of art and social identities and through this priority we are able to provide extra support towards activism and inclusive cultures for these demographics.
- bringing awareness to sustainability and environmental impacts in the arts sector.
- participating in Truth and Reconciliation actions in respect and alignment with Tla’amin Nation.
HISTORY
qathet Art Council started as a commitment to improve the quality of life of all people by supporting diverse and accessible artistic activities. The council established in 2007 has a volunteer Board of Directors representing a cross section of the qathet region. The qathet Art Centre was started in 2018 with a focus on contemporary visual new media and environmental stewardship. The qathet Art Centre is located on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation above the Powell River Public Library in a central accessible location (with elevator). The centre offers a multidisciplinary incubation space for projects, artist gatherings, presentations, residencies and youth programs, as well as office and launching space for outreach and priority work.
VISION
Arts and culture are central to the vitality, identity, and economic growth of the qathet region.
MISSION
To cultivate creativity, learning, and cultural leadership in qathet—where artists, community, and place come together to shape a vibrant and resilient future.
STRATEGIC VALUES
1. Inclusion & Belonging
- We actively welcome diverse voices, lived experiences, and creative practices.
- Commit to accessible programming and representation
- Foster safe, affirming, and inclusive environments
- Honour Indigenous presence and community-led expression
2. Community Connection
- We are shaped by—and in service to—the qathet region and its people.
- Engage the public meaningfully and often
- Support the livelihood and visibility of local artists
- Build lasting relationships across disciplines and generations
3. Creative Plurality
- We champion experimentation, diversity, and artistic freedom.
- Embrace contemporary, traditional, and emerging forms
- Encourage risk-taking and cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Remain open to new ways of making and thinking
4. Regenerative Practice
- We believe the arts can support thriving communities and economies.
- Cultivate environmental, social, and economic resilience
- Invest in sustainable models of creative production
- Practice stewardship—of land, people, and ideas
5. Sense of Place
- Our programs are deeply connected to land, history, and local culture.
- Centre place-based learning and ecological awareness
- Acknowledge the histories that shape this land and its future
- Invite artists to respond to qathet’s unique environment
6. Experiential Learning
- We believe in learning by doing, sharing, and co-creating.
- Encourage multigenerational, hands-on exploration
- Value collaborative, process-driven approaches
- Create space for unstructured play and creative inquiry