Fund Type: Charitable Organizations
Community: Prince George
The Community Arts Council of Prince George & District (“CAC”) was established in 1968 to respond to a growing need to expand the reputation of artistic endeavours throughout the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. The CAC has been a vital component of the Prince George district for over 50 years. Since its founding, the CAC and its members have been providing a wide range of services and programs that have helped contribute to the spirit of innovation, ingenuity and open-mindedness that defines the Prince George district. As of this year, the CAC is the umbrella organization to 245 members, comprising professional and emerging artists, performers, ensembles, artisan guilds and cultural organizations, all living and working in an area covering more than 51,000 km². The heart of our organization has been at Studio 2880, situated on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, since 1976. These facilities have become a destination for people who wish to purchase locally created artworks, and access and benefit from the unique educational programs and services offered there.
The Prince George Community Foundation and the CAC have enjoyed a long history together. Studio 2880 was the original home of the Foundation and our two organizations enjoyed working side by side for approximately a decade. In 2006, the CAC had the privilege of starting an endowment with the Foundation. From an original contribution of $15,000, the Foundation has successfully doubled the value of our endowment in the past fifteen years. The result of their success has ensured the continuous availability of project grant funds, accessed by a wide range of group types, including arts and culture. Funds from the Foundation were instrumental in allowing the Arts Council to help initiate the Northern Indigenous Arts Council. Other arts educational programs for children and youth have been supported over the years by the Foundation. We were even able to help engage the community in the new art of podcasting with financial assistance from the Foundation. In 2018, the Foundation was a funding partner in a range of activities to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, including publishing a book and the creation of a video. We wish to thank the staff, board, volunteers, and financial investors of the Foundation with all our gratitude and appreciation for an amazing relationship over the past twenty-five years, with success and great accomplishments for many more years.
