Arts Council welcomes two new groups under Umbrella

The Oliver Handbell Ringers and the Oliver Community Garden Society are two new groups under the umbrella of the Oliver Community Arts Council.

The Oliver Handbell Ringers, under the direction of Sue Gay have been performing for the last few years. Their concerts have been gaining in excitement as the ensemble has been gaining in skill. The ensemble attains  a clear warm sound, with music that can both stimulate and relax. Proceeds from their concerts and donations from the community have gone towards purchasing  tuned sets of bells and sheet music.

The ensemble  is always looking to train new members.  It’s an exciting and non-threatening way to learn music, and gives you a gentle workout in the process. What more could you ask for?

The Oliver Community Garden Society has also recently joined.  See the article below (“Arts Council growing relationship”) for more information about this community-spirited  organization or check out their website (click on the link at right under “Member Organizations”). 

The “umbrella” of the arts council is a unique opportunity for groups and businesses to:

* have a forum for co-operating and networking within the local arts community,
* take advantage of advertising and promotional opportunities (like this one!),
* apply for financial aid, and
* to have a greater voice municipally and provincially to increase awareness of and access funding for arts groups.

And what about you? There’s lots of room under the umbrella! Contact olivercac@gmail for more information about becoming a member or fill out the membership form by clicking the link under the banner above.

Wanna Join the Flock?

Quail flock that is. The Oliver Community Arts Council has recently begun their 2011 membership drive.

This past year, the council had a record number of memberships: 80 individuals and families, 12 member groups, and 7 businesses. The council is looking to continue expanding their membership in 2011. Already, several brand new members have joined.

What are the perks? There are many benefits to being a member. Membership entitles you to:

* a forum for co-operation and networking within the arts community,
* a platform for promoting and advocating for the arts in the wider community,
* a subscription to the Creative Minds newsletter,
* discounts at select local arts businesses,
* invitations to special events,
and

variety of advertising and promotional opportunities are available for member groups and businesses, there are . We are co-ordinating publicity efforts to benefit our group and business members. Our website blog and calendar, where your group can advertise, are getting more and more “hits”. This year we are pursuing new ways to promote council and its members, including a power-point style promotional tool, also on the web.

There is also opportunity for financial support from the OCAC. Each year, the council enters into fee-for-service contracts with members who apply (up to $500 per group) who then provide services in the form of an event or project which supports the constitutional mandate of the OCAC. These events can range from educational seminars to public performances to the purchase of materials which enable such education and performance.

 And of course, all members catch hold of that creative spirit that makes us feel great about the arts!

Fill out the membership form available above. Click on “Membership Form” on the banner above and open the pdf file. Submit your membership application by mail (P.O. Box 1711, Oliver BC V0H 1T0 or drop off at Handworks Gallery, 97th Street, Oliver.