EIGHT North Shore arts groups are getting a funding boost totalling $67,000 from the BC Arts Council, who announced the hike Aug. 13.
Presentation House Cultural Society was awarded $15,000, Blackbird Theatrical Society will get $13,500 and the Capilano Press Society received $10,000.
Another five local arts groups were awarded grants less than $10,000, including: Dancers of Damelahamid, $7,000; Tomoe Arts Society, $3,500; Redshift Music Society, $6,000; Laudate Singers, $7,000, and Starr W. Muranko, $5,000.
British Columbia artists and arts community leaders can use this injection of funds to create specific projects, support operating costs or commission new works.
The arts council awards grants to artists and cultural organizations such as museums and art galleries, independently from government.
The council's 15 members along with B.C. artists review the grant applications.
In the past 10 years the arts council has given more than $185 million in grants to artists and cultural groups in the province.
Musicians Wanted: The West Vancouver Concert Band, an adult band for brass, wind and percussion instruments, is looking for new members. The band performs a mix of classical, progressive and jazz music at community events. Practices are Mondays (September to June), 8-9: 45 p.m. at the West Vancouver Community Centre, 2121 Marine Dr. Info: www.westvanband.ca, Mike at 604-984-0115 or John at 604-980-6857.
Coho Festival: The annual celebration of the return of the Coho Salmon to the North Shore is Sunday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Ambleside Park, West Vancouver. Festival activities include environmental displays, visual arts exhibitions, entertainment by local and visiting performers and the popular salmon barbecue. All net proceeds help to support salmon enhancement projects including stream stewardship. Info: www.cohosociety.com/ coho-festival.
Kids at the Window is a fundraising exhibition of sculptures and paintings Sunday, Sept. 9, noon to 5 p.m. at Ukama Arts, 4718 Woodvalley Pl., West Vancouver. There will also be a silent auction. Money raised will go towards a kindergarten in Northern Zimbabwe.
Mercedes-Benz in the Park: Collectors will show off their shiny specimens at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver Sept. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: www. mbcavancouver.org.
Meet Your Mayor: Drop in to the Lynn Valley library's fireplace area for one-on-one chats with North Vancouver District Mayor Richard Walton, Monday, Sept. 10, 9-10: 30 a.m. at 1277 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver. Check www.nvdpl. ca for updates as dates and times may be subject to change.
Public Hearing: The British Columbia Commission will hold a public hearing to gather opinions on the proposed boundaries and electoral district names Monday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 700 Old Lillooet Rd., North Vancouver.
An Annual General Meeting of the members of the West Vancouver Community Arts Council will take place Wednesday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. at the Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver.
- compiled by Debbie Caldwell
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