2020-2025 Cultural Plan Report Card

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that our community is located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people.

“There are vast amounts of untapped creative potential within the City of Kelowna that could elevate its citizens, landscape, and visitors in such a way that could only happen here. The uniqueness that is syilx culture and creativity is directly tied to these lands which hold power and presence found nowhere else. The outcomes of true partnerships and relationships with syilx people would benefit all citizens in myriad ways.”

― Carrie Terbasket, Weaving our Collective Threads: Offering a Pathway for Syilx Creativity Within the City of Kelowna (2019)

Waý | Welcome

Over the past six years, our creative community has shown extraordinary dedication, resilience, and heart. As we bring the 2020–2025 Cultural Plan to its close, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our arts organizations, volunteers, City staff, and most of all, our artists. Your passion and perseverance have advanced the development of our creative sector in ways that are felt in neighbourhoods, classrooms, studios, stages, and public spaces across our community.

I have been fortunate to hold a unique vantage point: to witness the Cultural Plan’s ambitions come to life and to work alongside you in shaping programs, partnerships, and places that celebrate creativity. Together we’ve navigated significant challenges, none more profound than a global pandemic, while continuing to create, connect, and care for one another. What emerged was not just recovery, but renewal: new ways of collaborating, deeper commitments to inclusion and accessibility, and a shared understanding of how culture strengthens civic life.

This Report Card honours that collective effort. It gathers stories, data, and milestones to recognize what has been achieved, where learning continues, and how far our creative sector has come. It also points to the opportunities ahead: nurturing artists and creative entrepreneurs, sustaining volunteerism, expanding cultural participation, and telling our community’s story with pride.

As we turn to co-create the next Cultural Plan with you, we carry forward the same spirit that made the 2020–2025 plan possible; curiosity, collaboration, and care. Thank you for everything you have contributed. I look forward to listening, learning, and building the future of arts and culture together.

Christine McWillis | Cultural Services Manager, City of Kelowna

2020-2025 Cultural Plan Vision

The 2020-2025 Cultural Plan was a framework for cultivating an accessible and engaging arts and culture landscape. It was a culmination of efforts from arts, culture and heritage organizations, collectives, artists, creative sector supporters, Council, City staff and members of the public over 15 months. The plan was developed by our community, for our community.

Council endorsed the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan on September 16, 2019. The plan set a shared vision and guiding principles, with ten goals and 50 strategies for accomplishing them. While the past 6 years have brought unprecedented challenges and change, our cultural community continues to make inspiring progress toward our shared vision.

The 2020-2025 Cultural Plan defined culture as:

A porous and flexible concept which includes heritage, the arts, human diversity and many other attributes and practices. Throughout the plan, and this report, the use of the word ‘culture’ is intended to be broadly inclusive.

The Vision to 2040

Almost 4,000 residents helped create Imagine Kelowna, a vision for our community. Adopted in 2018, one of the 14 goals identified by residents is to:

Cultivate an accessible and engaging arts and culture scene. Everyone can find something that interests them to engage in, from grassroots initiatives to professional endeavours.

Cultivating a Vibrant Culture

The 2020-2025 Cultural Plan Report Card reviews the progress made towards the strategic outcomes outlined in the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan. As the second Report Card in this timeframe, this document focuses on the 2023–2025 period, with additional details available in the 2020–2022 Cultural Plan Progress Report Card.

On September 16, 2019, just months before a global pandemic brought the world to a halt, Council approved the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan. While the COVID-19 pandemic may be over, its impacts continue. Relentless challenges, the rapid pace of change, and the resulting global uncertainty have had profound repercussions for our cultural community.

The arts and culture sector has often experienced financial hardship, making rapid inflation particularly difficult to navigate. Organizations report substantial cost increases leading to higher ticket prices and cuts to programming and staff. Meanwhile, the rising cost of living makes it more difficult for residents to afford cultural experiences.

These economic challenges amplify the burden placed on creative sector workers, a historically undervalued segment with earnings far below those of peers in other sectors. Fewer people are being asked to do more, and conversations about job burnout and overwhelm in the creative field are constant. Some are leaving the cultural sector entirely due to these persistent issues.

Despite all of this, Kelowna’s arts and culture community continues to prevail. The stories in this report card are evidence of resilience, creativity, passion and determination. This report celebrates the organizations, artists, supporters, and fans who have achieved so much and are a testament to the value and importance of arts and culture to our city.

With the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan coming to a close, we reflect on its impact on our community. The goals and strategies have helped guide organizations through an unprecedented period of uncertainty. We continue to see greater collaboration and communication between groups, increased visibility for underrepresented communities, and improvements to organizational capacity. In some areas, new organizations are forming, and innovative approaches from both the non-profit and private sectors are finding success.

Looking ahead to the development of the City’s next Cultural Plan, there are achievements to celebrate and lessons to learn. But, as this Report Card will show, the arts and culture community remains committed to supporting the vision for a vibrant Kelowna.

The breadth and scale of Kelowna’s creative sector are impressive. This report does not capture all work and success over the previous six years. This is an overview of outcomes accomplished by various organizations, projects and initiatives with a particular focus on arts and culture notfor-profits in our community.

Strategic Investments

Foster deliberate investments of time, money and people into demonstrated outcomes.

Goal 1: Increase Contribution of Resources

Goal 2: Understand Our Impact

Art @ KCT - Kelowna Community Theatre and Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, 2022 – ongoing

As part of the Kelowna Community Theatre renewal in 2022, two spaces in the lobby were allocated for a new Art @ KCT professional art exhibition program in partnership with the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art.

By optimizing existing public space, Art @ KCT presents the work of visual artists from the Central Okanagan to an audience of engaged cultural supporters. Local artists may propose work for inclusion through an annual open call for submissions. In keeping with efforts to promote fair wages for arts professionals, selected artists receive appropriate CAR/FAC royalties for the presentation of their work.

28 Okanagan artists supported from 2022-2025

A Commitment to Keeping Pace

In 2023, the City of Kelowna approved a change to its grant programs to help keep pace with inflation. Funding for application-based grants and cultural facility Lease and Operating Agreements now automatically increases each year at the rate of the BC Consumer Price Index. The change provides a measure of stability for non-profit organizations and partners during a time of fluctuating certainty.

City of Kelowna Investment Highlights

Culture is a community asset with benefits far exceeding its financial costs, and the City of Kelowna has a long history of funding and supporting arts and culture.

Arts and Culture Revenue per capita Overall Ranking from 22 Canadian Metropolitan Areas

Annual operating support to Kelowna Museums Society, Kelowna Art Gallery and Rotary Centre for the Arts

* Permissive Tax Exemptions (PTE) for cultural organizations only. These PTEs are available to registered charities and non-profit organizations offering services that fulfill a basic need or otherwise improve the quality of life for residents of Kelowna. The community benefits from PTE through the provision of more cost effective services.

$600,000

1,093 823 1,904 2,103 1,706 1,862

Volunteers provide more than $600 thousand worth of support to local cultural organizations each year!

*Volunteer figures as reported by funding recipients. Some hours are not captured due to

Advancing Equity Micro Grants

The Advancing Equity Micro Grant is a new City of Kelowna program created to respond to the needs of the community and in direct support of the goals in the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan.

Recognizing and supporting distinctive communities and cultures is an important part of sustaining a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive city. Recognizing and supporting distinct communities and cultures helps build a strong, vibrant, safe, and inclusive city. Community-led events and projects create space to build relationships, strengthen capacity, and share community perspectives and practices with others.

This program provides up to $500 for small scale arts and culture activations for self-identified communities that would otherwise be challenged to access support. Recognizing existing inequities and barriers, this new program was created to address some of these challenges and welcomes applications from and prioritizes support to historically and systemically marginalized communities.

Projects supported:

• Book launch from a South Asian author

• Time film screening: By two Canadian Punjabi women

• Little Piñata Creators Workshop

• Black History Month celebration

• Vietnamese language classes

• Trans Day of Visibility performances

• Dun ni: A Yoruba dinner event

• Diwali Night: A Community Celebration

• Two-Spirit Powwow

• Okanagan Chinese Pioneer Genealogy project

Adaptability and Sustainability Grant

The Adaptability and Sustainability Program was introduced in 2023 as a one-time, Council-supported grant program to help participating organizations assess current levels of adaptability and identify actions to foster sustainability. This program aimed to assist non-profit organizations that continued to be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and built on the success of the 2021-2022 Recovery and Sustainability Program.

For some organizations, the post-COVID realities created excessive strain on the future viability of the organization.

Cultural Plan Report Card, 2020-2025

This program was not intended to make an organization whole but rather to assist with future sustainability planning and assist the organization in adapting to the current circumstances. Ten organizations successfully participated in the year-long program, which included a kickoff session, a series of webinars, organizational assessments, one-to-one consulting and a final capstone workshop with fellow program participants. Organizations were asked to prepare and submit a Sustainability Plan as well as utilize the provided funding ($5,000 per organization) to begin implementation.

Goal 2 Understand Our Impact

Leverage the value that culture contributes to the community

Strategies

2.1

Use a coordinated approach to measure the impact of the creative sector on the community that includes looking beyond economic multipliers

2.2

Increase community awareness and stakeholder knowledge of the benefits and impact of culture in the community

2.3

Build on the role of the creative sector in tourism and economic development

2.4

Support artists and organizations with the tools and knowledge necessary to measure, track and modify programs to improve community impact

2.5

Demonstrate the impact of the creative sector to leverage additional resources and support

Creating a Creative Sector EIA (Economic Impact Assessment)

Kelowna’s creative sector plays a vital role in the local economy, including attracting a skilled workforce and supporting tourism. As noted in the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan, culture and cultural activities are not merely “products,” but resources for community development.

As part of its ongoing commitment to understanding the value of its creative sector, the City of Kelowna engaged Nordicity to provide an updated economic impact assessment, building on the City’s earlier studies in 2010 and 2018. The resulting data reveals a creative sector that has “undergone significant transformation, shaped by evolving audience behaviours, changing cultural funding patterns, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Despite these challenges, the new EIA highlights the significant expansion of Kelowna’s creative sector since 2018. This growth is led by the film and new media subcategory, which accounts for nearly half of Kelowna’s total creative economy. The number of creative sector establishments increased by nearly 50% with most of the growth concentrated among self-employed businesses.

“These trends highlight a local creative economy that is both growing in scale and evolving in structure, shaped increasingly by independent practitioners and small enterprises.”

While the EIA provides valuable insights, it is important to note that the creative sector includes many participants and outcomes that are not easily quantifiable. Many contributors are not regularly paid or formally measured because their participation stems from their passion and the intrinsic value it brings them personally. Likewise, positive societal outcomes such as improved well-being, increased connection and belonging among audiences and the community are also difficult to measure.

Creative Sector

Impact Toolbox - City of Kelowna

This hybrid program combined self-paced learning, collaborative workshops, and hands-on project work to help organizations create and implement a practical impact measurement strategy. By measuring impact, organizations can better demonstrate the value they bring to communities, attract support, gain insights for strategic planning and decision making, and improve programs and services.

Through the program, participants created an impact measurement plan, developed a data collection and analysis plan, and created a visual impact data snapshot. Ten organizations received a $500 honorarium to support their participation in the program.

Welcoming Kasugai DelegationsCity of Kelowna, 2023-2024

In 2021, we celebrated the 40-year anniversary of Kelowna’s Sister City relationship with Kasugai, Japan. To mark the occasion, Kelowna hosted two visiting delegations from Kasugai, the first in 2023 and the second in 2024. One delegation consisted of the mayor, council, and business representatives. The other was a delegation of youth performers.

Hosting our Sister City promotes international tourism, builds relationships between our chamber of commerce and creates business opportunities for our residents.

Participants Say...

“I feared the spreadsheet the first day, but now I can see it as a tool that will be helpful.”

“This process helped me to see how much data we are missing out on.”

“In one of the exercises we had to do, I felt encouraged as our work is both global and local but this helped us to see the connections between all the different things our organization does. It was encouraging; made me feel like we were on the right track.”

OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW

• Opportunities exist to expand and strengthen funding supports for arts and culture organizations and individual artists, including access to education, skills training, and professional development.

• A more coordinated approach to impact measurement is needed to consistently track outcomes and share the social, cultural, and economic impact of arts and culture with the community.

• There is a clear opportunity to evolve funding models, including increased access to multi-year and core operating funding, to reduce administrative burden and support long-term organizational sustainability.

• Kelowna’s high cost of living continues to affect creative professionals, highlighting the need for fair compensation and funding approaches that support living wages and sector resilience.

While the importance of arts and culture is often felt and understood at the individual level, the ability to measure impact is lacking. City staff continue to work with organizations to explore new accountability methods. By understanding what we are trying to achieve and whether we are meeting those goals, we can better convey the value of investing in cultural experiences in our community.

Spaces

Use new and traditional approaches for enhancing the availability, affordability and accessibility of spaces for culture.

Goal 3: Optimize Existing Spaces

Goal 4: Commit to Developing New Facilities

TheBoxOffice.ca - City of Kelowna, 2024

When Kelowna launched TheBoxOffice.ca in 2024, the vision was simple yet ambitious: create a ticketing platform that champions local arts, sports, and community events while keeping revenue and data in the hands of the community. What began as an extension of the Kelowna Community Theatre’s box office has quickly evolved into a regional hub for cultural engagement, helping audiences discover new experiences across the Okanagan.

In its first full year, TheBoxOffice.ca has:

• 500,000+ monthly digital impressions

• 12% click-through rate (4x industry standard)

• 60,000 active ticket buyers

The impact is clear. With thousands of tickets sold and strong engagement through targeted marketing, TheBoxOffice.ca has become a trusted partner for event producers. Every sale keeps data and service fees local, reinvesting in city-owned venues and strengthening Kelowna’s cultural ecosystem. For audiences, it offers a seamless, mobile-first experience; for organizers, it delivers confidence through analytics and tailored support.

More than a ticketing tool, TheBoxOffice.ca is a strategy for growth by building connections, amplifying local voices, and ensuring that success stays in the community.

Goal 3 Optimize Existing Space

Improve the use of existing space and allow for alternative solutions to meet community needs

Strategies

3.1

Use existing space in new ways

3.2

Identify, preserve and protect the community’s heritage assets including natural landscapes and local archaeological sites

3.3

Animate community spaces with quality and accessible public art

3.4

Upgrade technologies to improve audience experience

3.5

Remove barriers and simplify access to space for cultural activities

Accessibility Renovation for Okanagan Heritage Museum, 2024

The Okanagan Heritage Museum opened in 1967 and had not seen major changes to its entrance since. In 2024, a major renovation began to improve the entrance’s accessibility and safety. The result consists of realigned stairs and an accessibility ramp with rest areas to meet modern standards.

The new entrance is also more inviting, with vibrant railings and artwork by local artist Moozhan Ahmadzadegan that references the indigenous plants found in the front garden.

Light Up KelownaARTSCO, UBC Okanagan

Light Up Kelowna is a public art initiative that blends light, sound, and video projections to transform downtown Kelowna into a dynamic digital experience. Born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this project has evolved from a temporary installation into a lasting celebration of creativity, innovation and community connection.

The exhibition consists of three connected experiences: immersive projections along the Art Walk, a layered audio installation, and a three-channel video displayed on the Kelowna Community Theatre. These elements work in harmony to transform the downtown core into a living gallery.

Light Up Kelowna is a partnership between ARTSCO, UBCO’s Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies and the City of Kelowna.

City of Kelowna Highlights

Heritage Grants Program

The Heritage Grants Program promotes the conservation of heritage buildings by providing building owners with grants covering a portion of their costs for conservation work (up to 50 percent). All work funded by the program must meet the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. Heritagedesignated buildings are eligible for a maximum of $12,500 per three-year period, and buildings listed on the City of Kelowna’s Heritage Register are eligible for a maximum of $7,500 per three-year period.

The Central Okanagan Heritage Society administers the Heritage Grants Program on behalf of the City of Kelowna.

City of Kelowna Artist in Residence

The City of Kelowna launched its Artist in Residence program in 2020 to broaden the community’s experience with arts and culture, and stimulate thoughtful conversation on local topics.

The Artist in Residence program advances several goals and strategies outlined in the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan, including the promotion of fair wages, animating community spaces, and increasing the innovative artistic experiences offered in Kelowna.

The Artist in Residence receives up to $12,000 in funding and, in return, is expected to actively engage with the community in the context of arts and culture through community engagement and temporary work of art.

SUPPORTED ARTISTS

Artist: Angela Hansen Project: VASA

Youth voicing their wishes and concerns for their futures and for our planet formed the basis of VASA, a series of sculptures that represented the impact of climate change in the Okanagan and how our children feel about it. Constructed of biodegradable and recycled materials, each of the vessels visually represented a significant and demonstrable impact of climate change. The sculptural containers sat upon plinths made of recycled and reclaimed wood covered in writings and artworks gathered from Okanagan youth, giving them a public voice.

$27,915

Artists: Erin Scott and Cole Mash

Project: Go Gentle

Set against the haunting beauty of post-burn Knox Mountain, ‘Go Gentle’ by Erin Scott and Cole Mash was a Spoken Word project featuring a series of communityengaged writing and video-literature-making workshops, along with an immersive sound and video installation. Blending poetry, science fiction, and environmental reflection, the project asked how speculative writing and digital making might act as a catalyst, bringing communities together to connect, grieve, and co-create a future postclimate-crisis. It culminated in a gentle walk through the installation and a public showing of the works created.

Artist: Lucas Glenn

Project: M.A.S.S.I.V.E.

‘M.A.S.S.I.V.E.’ (abbreviated for Make-shift Anthropocene Symbiosis Station and Interface for Vibrant Exchange) was a mobile, interactive art installation made from repurposed materials. It featured a mobile station with interactive ecocontraptions made to help humans and nonhumans adapt to a changing climate.

Components which were made to resemble sciencefiction equipment, fashioned from materials such as scrap metal and D.I.Y. electronics, encouraged visitors to connect with the more-than-human world.

Artist: Patrick Lundeen

Project: Happy Day Free Gift Truck

Patrick Lundeen’s ‘Happy Day Free Gift Truck’ was a mobile gift-giving unit and temporary art installation, located in Kelowna’s Cultural District. The project offered free gifts to citizens of Kelowna and visitors in an effort to radiate good energy, discourage social isolation and class stratification and connect the public with important local arts and non-profit organizations. The ‘Happy Day Free Gift Truck’ offered a variety of gifts from something to eat or drink, some music, a new prized possession and/or some unsolicited life advice.

Artist: Lady Dia

Project: The Jam

Through the philosophy of Ubuntu, Lady Dia used the art of ‘the Jam’ to engage Kelowna in imagining and realizing a more inclusive city by creating more space for a greater diversity of stories and cultural expression in public spaces. Programming was created for children and youth to explore lessons from ‘the Jam’ and its application in listening to the voices of others and understanding the role of one’s voice in the community.

Artist: Melany Nugent- Noble

Project: When it is necessary to stand still

When it is necessary to stand still, aimed at enhancing the intersection of strangers through the building and programming of 25 distance-detecting light beacons.

The beacons changed in intensity and colour as they detected other beacons moving around them. This was used as a means to disrupt the patterns in which we exist and amplify moments that might otherwise be lost in repetition and routine; to create curiosity about community; and to acknowledge chance (situated-ness and temporality of interaction) and the creation of varied experience in its retelling.

Community Art Program

The Community Art Program is a way for the community to engage with arts in a meaningful and interactive way. Practicing artists develop projects that provide a participatory creative experience for residents. The collaborative, collective and creative approach results in a temporary work of art that is as much about process as it is about the artistic product or outcome.

Artists are listed in descending chronological order below, beginning with the most recent work funded – funding years 2020 to 2025.

PSOUNDS - Jessie Rivest

People in Kelowna - Shoaib Shabir

Hope Floats and a Dream Boat - Jordan Doody

In-tension - Jackie McLaughlin

Our Okanagan - Sarah Rambold

Weaving the Wool Future - Larissa Beringer

Books of Hope - Sarah Gagnon

TRAILART - Inner Fish Performance Co. | The Bike Ride Collective

Art For Change - Hanna Karin

Winter Banner Project –City of Kelowna, 2024

When it came time to replace seasonal decorative banners adorning the lamp posts along Water Street, the City of Kelowna took the opportunity to hold an open call for art submissions rather than using generic stock images. The resulting winter-themed street banners feature artwork by local artists and muralists Liz and Dylan Ranney, depicting timeless winter activities paired with well-known Kelowna landmarks.

“Our banner art depicts a city full of life, diverse abilities, inclusive representation, a range of urban and scenic spaces, and a few different snap shot perspectives of different locations in Kelowna and surrounding areas. Through the juxtaposition of these scenes, the viewer is invited to reflect on Kelowna’s vibrant Cultural District, and the many offerings that make this city special.”

Liz and Dylan Ranney, Artists

Bennett House –Central Okanagan Heritage Society, 2024

In October 2024, the Bennett and Tozer families announced their decision to donate the historic Bennett House to the Central Okanagan Heritage Society. The expansive Tudor Revival house has been the residence of two distinguished Kelowna families. Constructed by Francis DeHart from 19121914, the property later became the home of W.A.C. Bennett who would go on to serve as B.C. premier for over two decades. The Central Okanagan Heritage Society is committed to preserving and sharing this treasured property for years to come. In 2025, the Society relocated their administrative operations to the house and began offering public tours.

2020-2025

Capital Improvements –Rotary Centre for the Arts, 2023-2025

In 2025, the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) advanced several major capital improvements that strengthened safety, accessibility, and technical capacity across the facility. These upgrades were delivered through ongoing collaboration between the City of Kelowna, the RCA’s Capital Improvement Fund (CIF), and provincial/federal cultural infrastructure programs. As one of the Cultural District’s busiest civic venues—with nearly 280 theatre bookings and more than 2,000 small-room rentals annually—these investments ensure the facility remains responsive to community, artist, and industry needs.

Mary Irwin Theatre – Lighting & Sound Upgrades

The RCA completed Phase 3 of the Mary Irwin Theatre lighting renewal, part of a multi-year $350,000 program. Work included replacing aging fixtures with energyefficient LEDs and modernizing lighting control systems to improve safety, reduce maintenance, and enhance technical capability for touring productions and community users.

The theatre also received a major sound system upgrade, funded through a $36,000 BC Arts Council Arts Infrastructure grant and matching CIF contributions. The new digital audio console improves reliability, sound quality, and accessibility while supporting a broader range of performances.

Small Room Renewal Program

The RCA refreshed several of its most heavily used studios and program spaces—including the Salloum Dance Studio, Harmony Honda Paint Studio, Green Room, dressing rooms, and meeting rooms. Upgrades included new flooring, refreshed finishes and lighting, furniture replacements, and targeted AV improvements.

Safety, Accessibility & Building Systems

Additional 2025 capital work focused on essential behindthe-scenes upgrades to building systems, equipment, and accessibility features. These improvements extend the life of the facility, reduce service disruptions, and ensure the RCA continues to meet modern standards for safety and public access.

The 2025 upgrades represent the most substantial improvements in recent years. Collectively, the 2025 capital program strengthened cultural infrastructure, supported local artists and organizations, enhanced accessibility, and reinforced downtown vibrancy by ensuring the RCA remains a high-quality, well-maintained cultural asset. Continued partnership between the City and the RCA will be essential to stewarding this 23-yearold facility as a resilient, community-serving anchor in the Cultural District.

Goal 4 Commit to Developing New Facilities

City of Kelowna 10-year Capital Plan, 2026-2035

The City of Kelowna’s 10-year Capital Plan specifies funding allocation for Arts & Culture that is focused on enhancing and maintaining equipment and cultural facilities. Investments aim to contribute to a “community with a rich variety of high-quality arts, culture and heritage experiences that embraces and celebrates diversity, is open and welcoming to all.”

Major investment includes:

• Kelowna Community Theatre, Front of House Renovation

• City of Kelowna Signature Sign

• Art and Culture Equipment Fund

• Kerry Park Upgrades

• Okanagan Centre for the Performing Arts Design

• North Entry Monument

• Kelowna Artwalk Expansion

• Queensway Upgrades, including updates to Okanagan Heritage Museum exterior

City of Kelowna Highlights

Waterfront Park Stage Redevelopment -

City of Kelowna, 2025

In 2025, the City of Kelowna completed a project to replace the aging Waterfront Island Stage with a low-maintenance, modern structure that features upgraded electrical systems and event lighting, a canopy, and improved accessibility along with increased capacity for events. In addition to improving safety, the revitalization will reduce emissions and maintenance needs.

Creative Sector Storage Analysis Project

During the development of the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan and Cultural Facilities Master Plan stakeholders identified sufficient space for quality storage as a significant concern. Storage needs and the items being stored vary drastically between creative sector organizations. As well, some storage, such as artifacts and artwork, require specific conditions making it challenging to find a single storage solution for the community.

The findings of the project indicate that the limitations of storage at a number of organizations is constraining their opportunities to maximize their primary mandate of providing cultural opportunities in Kelowna. Limited storage space impacts the opportunities for performers to productions, production space to present events, and the ability to collect and preserve artifacts and artwork. There are 12 recommendations in 3 focus areas including strategic planning, partnerships and staff capacity. Additional community meetings are required to determine a community action plan based on the report recommendations.

Okanagan Centre for Performing Arts

The Community Task Force on Performing Arts was created in response to residents’ concerns about limitations of existing performing arts venues amidst a growing population and technological advances. The resulting recommendations, endorsed by Council on December 9, 2024, are that:

The existing Kelowna Community Theatre Facility should remain in place and be renovated to enhance front of house amenities and continue providing services to the community. A new Performing Arts Centre should be constructed at a site to be determined.

The Community Task Force, City staff and Revery Architecture have continued working on the second recommendation, engaging with event promoters, developing an initial functional program, conducting a preliminary location analysis, and initiating early planning and costing.

Based on the research to date, the Task Force recommends that the new performing arts centre adopt a regional scope, differentiating it from the Kelowna Community Theatre and identifying it as a facility that serves the entire Okanagan region. A seat capacity of 1,600 is recommended for the Okanagan Performing Arts Centre and potential locations are still being explored.

On December 1, 2025, Council endorsed the Task Force’s new recommendations and directed staff to move forward with planning, community engagement, and design work for both the new Performing Arts Centre and Kelowna Community Theatre Front of House renovation. For the new Performing Arts Centre staff will complete detailed analysis, explore partnership options, and explore location possibilities, reporting back to Council as the project progresses.

NEW CREATIVE SPACES

In recent years, a variety of exciting creative spaces have emerged in Kelowna. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but rather a sampling of the new spaces that have opened during the 2020-2025 period.

Revelry Food+Music Hub

Located in the Cultural District, Revelry is a live music venue that opened in 2023 following renovations to its building, a former apple packing warehouse. It boasts a seated capacity of 280 but can accommodate 600 guests for standing room-only events.

Studio on Water

Opening in November 2023, Studio on Water offers retail space and in-house classes for creatives. The storefront features the works of a curated selection of Okanagan artists and artisans. Classes and workshops cater to artists of every level.

Makers

Local artists have a new way to reach customers with the opening of Makers in Orchard Park Shopping Centre. Vendors pay a flat monthly fee based on display size and keep 100% of their sales, making it easy to budget and generate revenue.

1021 Art Studios

1021 Art Studios in downtown Kelowna offers the experience of a coworking space for artists and creatives. The facility offers 14 individual studios for artists who wish to have their own space behind closed doors in a variety of sizes to meet different needs.

Sixteen15 Venues

Located in downtown Kelowna, Sixteen15 Venues is a versatile midsize space that offers 1,700 sq ft. with a flexible, open layout. Since opening in May 2025, the venue has been host to a variety of artistic and cultural experiences.

Kelowna Events Centre

This new rental venue boasts a main space that has a 1200-person capacity, several smaller rooms, and office space. It is currently undergoing major renovations to include photography, podcast and digital media studios. The venue also partners with local collaborators for experiences such as comedy nights, dance socials, and acoustic performances.

Metro Hub

In 2022, the Metro Hub event venue opened its doors, providing a new space for creatives and event producers in downtown Kelowna. Over the past 3 years, the venue has hosted concerts, multidisciplinary arts festivals, music industry events and more.

Heirloom Bohemia

Founded as an online store during the pandemic, Heirloom Bohemia soon opened a retail space in Kelowna’s north end. In addition to selling textiles, the shop offers a variety of textile and fibre arts classes that encourage creativity and sustainability.

Creative Okanagan Music Venue Database - Creative Okanagan, 2023

The creation of the Creative Okanagan Music Venue Database was a significant milestone in advancing the City’s cultural plan. This initiative successfully bridges the gap between local artists and venues, fostering a more vibrant and cohesive music scene. By compiling detailed information on performance spaces across the Okanagan Valley, the database empowers venues to better promote their spaces and artists to book shows more efficiently. This project not only enhances live performances but also strengthens community engagement and cultural development in the region. The database includes:

• Venue Name

• Venue Type

• Capacity

• In-House PA

• Raised Stage

• Books Touring Acts

OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW

• The new Cultural Plan will introduce a map of cultural spaces and amenities. Ongoing monitoring will help identify gaps, emerging trends, and community needs, while making it easier for residents and visitors to connect with cultural resources.

• Continued opportunity exists to support creative placemaking, public art, and public history initiatives that strengthen sense of place and reflect Kelowna’s diverse stories.

• Neighbourhood-based and geographically dispersed cultural opportunities can be expanded, including the development and enhancement of neighbourhood cultural hubs across the city.

• Access to affordable space for artistic creation and production remains a key challenge, pointing to the need for new approaches, partnerships, and policies to support artists and cultural organizations.

• Simplifying processes to access cultural spaces and City systems is an area for improvement, with a more streamlined, coordinated approach needed for permitting, bookings, and use of public spaces.

Vitality

Animate the community with a blend of programs, services and events that promote artistic excellence and share Kelowna’s history.

Goal 5: Learn from Our Past

Goal 6: Boost Vitality at the Street Level

Marking 50 Years of Folkfest Fun On Canada Day, 2025

Founded by Ben Lee in 1974, Kelowna Folkfest has thrived for over 50 years and is the region’s largest and longestrunning indoor multicultural celebration. Kelowna Folkfest brings communities together to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures through music, dance, food and cultural expression. The 2025 Folkfest welcomed thousands of attendees and featured 17 performance groups.

Quilts for SurvivorsOrchard Valley Quilters Guild, 2023

Goal 5 Learn from Our Past

Engage

5.3

5.4

5.5

Strengthen

Members of Orchard Valley Quilters Guild joined a nationwide collective effort to create full-sized blankets for survivors of the residential school system and other trauma. The group made 27 quilts for members of Westbank First Nations and a further eight for survivors in the B.C. interior, and estimates it required an average of 50 hours per quilt. Westbank First Nation and Orchard Valley Quilters Guild joined for a gifting ceremony, ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers achieved a significant accomplishment by winning five trophies at the prestigious BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival. Known for their dedication to preserving Ukrainian heritage, the dancers captivated the audience and judges with their passion, technique, and flawless performances. This annual festival is a central celebration of Ukrainian culture, gathering dancers from across British Columbia to compete and share their artistry.

A

100th Anniversary Trip to the NetherlandsKelowna Pipe Band Society, 2025

The Kelowna Pipe Band Society celebrated its 100th anniversary (2023) with a remarkable 14-day trip to the Netherlands, coinciding with the country’s 80th anniversary of liberation from Nazi occupation. Over the course of the journey, the band delivered 13 performances, participating in military ceremonies and public celebrations across various Dutch communities.

During the performances and parades, the audience participation was truly impressive. In every town, village, and city where the band played, crowds lined the streets—often 15 to 20 people deep—creating a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere. Cheers of celebration and appreciation echoed at every venue, with heartfelt thanks extended to the Canadian contingent. The band members were deeply moved by the enthusiastic reception and the genuine gratitude expressed by the Dutch communities. One of the most profound aspects of the journey was the emotional connection forged through stories and memories shared by survivors of the war. Many of these individuals, who had been children during the occupation, recounted their experiences, leaving a lasting impression on the band. The generational impact of these events resonated with every member of the Kelowna Pipe Band as they witnessed firsthand how history continues to shape lives and communities.

2020-2025

The Dolyna group’s success is not only a testament to their skill but also to the community’s collective commitment to Ukrainian traditions. Their win highlights the power of dance as an expression of cultural identity and heritage, inspiring younger generations to embrace and uphold these values. More than a competitive victory, their accomplishment fosters unity within the Ukrainian dance community and enriches British Columbia’s cultural landscape.

Wreckonciliation - Opera Kelowna, 2024

Wreckonciliation was a musical response to a decade of learning, striving, and failing to reckon with Canada’s colonial past following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. Co-created by Indigenous artists Marion Newman, Melody Courage and Yvette Nolan, Wreckonciliation centres on the well-known talk show genre, tackling the issues of the day with wit and compassion. The show is also an exploration of how traditional Indigenous music can walk alongside operatic traditions in ways that might inspire us all.

Reconcili-Action is a 28-day festival celebrating Indigenous art, culture, and storytelling, featuring talented artists, hands-on workshops, and immersive experiences throughout the region. Taking place at venues throughout the Central Okanagan, it is an opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with Indigenous perspectives through art and history. Participants were also invited to take part in a self-guided tour of Indigenous art and culture in the Okanagan.

Métis Rendezvous -

Métis Community Services Society of BC

Métis Rendezvous is an annual celebration taking place on National Indigenous Peoples Day. The event welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to experience Métis and Indigenous culture through activities such as performances, jigging, a sashing ceremony, and a tipi-raising ceremony.

Cemetery Recording Project - Kelowna and District Genealogical Society

The Central Okanagan Cemetery Recording Project began in 2008 with the goal of documenting and preserving the grave markers in 14 small cemeteries and many isolated burials in the Central Okanagan, from Peachland to Oyama. These efforts resulted in the publication of 16 books now available in many libraries and archives, as well as online through the FamilySearch catalogue and the British Columbia Regional Digitized History (BCRDH) collection. Susan Campbell spearheaded this work with assistance from Bob Hayes, Carolin Robertson, Marlene Crane, Gwen Neil, and Beverley Brooks. In 2024, the Central Okanagan Heritage Society recognized the project with its Special Heritage Project award.

Goal 6 Boost Vitality at the Street Level

Art in Public Spaces

Thanks to public, private and institutional initiatives, Kelowna’s access to art in public spaces continues to grow. Several new murals and outdoor sculptures have been completed, including pieces at the Landmark District and works by UBC Okanagan visual arts students in collaboration with instructors Jorden and David Doody

Within the City’s public art collection, recent additions include “Lodestar” outside of the Kelowna RCMP building and “Horizon” in Boyce Gyro Park. A salvaged wood bear sculpture by a local artist Kamron Garbe was unveiled at Jack Robertson Memorial Park in November 2025, and a collaboration with local syilx artists brought a new public art installation to the Knox Mountain First Lookout.

First Artist in Residence Brings ‘The Cowboy Act’Ballet Kelowna, 2022-2023

In 2022, Ballet Kelowna marked its 20th anniversary with the appointment of its first artist-in-residence, choreographer Cameron sinkwə Fraser-Monroe. A member of the Tla’amin First Nation, Fraser-Monroe began Ukrainian dancing in Vernon at 3 years old and studied grass dance and hoop dance before training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School.

For the 2022-2023 season, Fraser-Monroe created new works for each of the company’s 3 programs, culminating in The Cowboy Act, which flips the script on “Cowboys and Indians” with a satirical romp to the Wild West. The piece also features music from Tom Wilson, of Mohawk descent, and all creative leads are also Indigenous.

The Cowboy Act received an enthusiastic response from audiences and has since been adapted for Ballet Kelowna’s touring performances, reaching audiences in rural communities and small cities across Western Canada.

Neighbourhood Pulse Pop-Up - City of Kelowna

The City of Kelowna’s Neighbourhood Pulse Pop-Ups are free events held in local parks to help bring neighbours together. Started in 2024, the evenings are billed as “the ultimate hangout spot for adults, where you can vibe with your neighbours, make new connections, and enjoy some seriously fun moments right in the heart of your neighbourhood.” They feature everything from trivia and bingo to standup comedy and painting, all in support of building Strong Neighbourhoods. To date, total attendance at the Neighbourhood Pulse Pop-Ups is 600+.

Symphony StorytimeOkanagan Symphony Society

Since 1959, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra has been sharing live orchestral music with communities across

Cultural Plan Report Card, 2020-2025

Syilx Culture Celebrated in Knox Mountain Public Art - City of Kelowna

The City collaborated with syilx artists Krystal Withakay, Emily Pooley, and Les Louis for a new public art installation at the Knox Mountain First Lookout. The piece reflects the cultural significance of Knox Mountain to the syilx people and invites the community to connect with the land through story, art and shared experience.

The art installation is inspired by the tuktánixw (summer home), a traditional syilx structure that was used for shelter during harvest from early spring to late fall. Story poles are engraved with red pictographs representing the Four Food Chiefs, whose teachings continue to guide the syilx people for living in harmony with nature. Complementing the structure, a graphic art component is a contemporary adaptation of seasonal changes in the Okanagan Valley, offering the artists’ reflection of the land’s transformation throughout the year.

Indigenous Resiliency FestivalRotary Centre for the Arts, 2023

The Indigenous Resiliency Festival was a day-long celebration of Indigenous culture at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. The event showcased Indigenous Elders, youth, leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs sharing knowledge about the challenges that led to their triumphs.

More than 1,000 people attended the free festival. Over 40 artists representing a range of Indigenous communities across BC took part, featuring storytelling, music, visual arts, spoken word, and dance.

“I felt heard and seen after I shared a little bit of my story. I want to continue to share my story and my knowledge of stick games. I believe you’re never too old or young to learn our cultures to the best of your abilities. Forever learning and growing together as indigenous peoples. We are Resilience.”

- Ellen

the valley. The OSO offers a wide range of programming that engages audiences of all ages, including Symphony Storytime, a musical experience designed for families to enjoy together.

Symphony Storytime features a series of four interactive concerts created especially for young listeners. Each concert follows the adventures of siblings Poko and Pinky through music, storytelling, and movement, inviting children to sing, play, and discover the joy of orchestral sound in a fun and welcoming setting.

Also of note, in June 2025, the Okanagan Symphony Society appointed Julian Pellicano as its new music director and conductor. Rising to the top in a year-long audition process that included 30 candidates, Julian is just the sixth music director in the OSO’s 66-year history. In addition to his work with the Okanagan Symphony, Julian is a conductor with the National Ballet of Canada and music director of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Stories Around the World FestivalNiteo Africa Society

Stories Around The World, now an annual part of Kelowna’s cultural calendar, celebrates multiculturalism and the growing diversity within Kelowna through the sharing of stories, crafts, and cultural displays (outfits, special objects, etc).

Ten cultures were highlighted through storytelling sessions offered by 11 different cultural groups and individuals. Each session welcomed participants from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, thanks in large part to efforts to create a safe, hospitable space where everyone could learn together. Over 120 parents and children attended the two events, which enabled intergenerational and experiential learning through sessions that incorporated stories, music, crafts, cultural costumes, and more.

“We asked questions about each story and culture after each storytelling session and as children and parents shared their responses it was clear that participants were actively listening and learning together.”

“We felt welcomed, seen, heard and appreciated.”

Okanagan Asian Culture FestivalKelowna Taiwanese Cultural Society

Each year, the Kelowna Taiwanese Cultural Society organizes the Okanagan Asian Culture Festival, a celebration of music, food, art and community. In 2025, Asian culture societies representing at least 9 different nations and cultures took part, sharing the beauty of their heritage with the public at this free, family-friendly event.

The festival exceeded organizer expectations, attracting over 1,200 attendees. Participants, community members and organizations benefitted from intercultural connections and increased cultural awareness.

“One memorable moment occurred during the joint finale performance, when dancers and musicians from multiple Asian communities collaborated spontaneously, symbolizing the unity and harmony the festival aimed to celebrate.” — Festival Organizer

OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW

• There is a strong desire for a more inclusive and representative cultural identity for Kelowna, one that reflects the diversity of residents and lived experiences across the city.

• Opportunities remain to strengthen inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility across arts and cultural offerings, particularly for youth, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, IBPOC communities, newcomers, refugees, and people experiencing houselessness.

• The visibility and celebration of Kelowna’s multicultural heritage has grown, with more events and activities reflecting diverse cultures; however, there is now a need for more focused, directed, and prioritized funding streams to support this work in a sustainable and intentional way.

• Residents identified a clear need for a multicultural centre, highlighting interest in a dedicated, welcoming space to gather, celebrate, and share cultures.

Capacity

Build on the creative sector’s ability to respond to changing demands and new opportunities.

Goal 7: Support a Viable Creative Sector

The Inspired City Summit - City of Kelowna

The Inspired City Summit was first held in 2023 in response to the pandemic’s disruption. As the non-profit sector found itself at a crossroads, the Cultural Services department saw an opportunity to bring organizations and individuals together in the spirit of learning, collaboration and growth.

The Inspired City Summit has quickly become a must-attend conference for the non-profit sector, doubling its attendees from the initial year and selling out amid increased interest and demand. This success will see the conference move to a larger venue in 2026, providing more than 300 non-profit leaders with the opportunity to connect and engage in meaningful ways.

130+ Unique Organizations | Attendees from 20+ BC communities

“The energy of 200+ non-profit leaders really gave the sense of our crucial role in our communities.” —Conference attendee

Goal 7 Support a Viable Creative Sector

Enhance administrative, financial, management and governance systems that create a strong foundation for the future

Strategies

7.1

Foster a diversified funding approach by non-profit cultural organizations

7.2

Create strong governance, management and administrative systems that are appropriate for an organization’s lifecycle stage

7.3

Use a common language between trainers, consultants, resource centres and organizations when discussing organizational capacity and health

7.4

Mobilize the creative sector to take intentional action on Truth and Reconciliation

7.5

Connect artists and organizations with professional development, mentoring and capacity building training

Organization Development Grants

Between 2020 and 2025, the Organization Development grant assisted non-profit organizations in undertaking activities or initiatives to develop their capacity and sustainability. Funding was used to cover 100% of the consulting or tuition/registration costs, to a maximum of $5,000. Two or more organizations could partner on an organizational development project and undertake joint planning or training.

Organization Development Funding in $66,400 2024

TAKING ACTION ON RECONCILIATION — CITY OF KELOWNA AND NEXT STEPS FOR RECONCILIATION

The City of Kelowna partners with a local group, Relatives in Reconciliation, to offer three opportunities to expand knowledge and action on Truth and Reconciliation.

UNDRIP: A Reading Circle for Reconciliation

This Reading Circle enables participants to become familiar with the content of UNDRIP (the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), a centrepiece of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Participants are divided into groups with each participant having the opportunity to read several Articles of the Declaration using a virtual ‘circle’ format.

94 Calls to Action Reading Circle

Participants share in the collective reading of the 94 Calls to Action outlined by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Each participant has the opportunity to read, with groups pausing to discuss and reflect on the calls.

“I really enjoyed this reading circle, it had great discussions and sparked my curiosity to learn more.”

The Executive Summary Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reading Circle

During this five-session reading circle, participants read together the Executive Summary of the Final Report of the TRC: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future. Sections of the report are read before each session, and participants gather for facilitated discussion, engaging with the material collaboratively.

Beyond Transactions: Webinar and 1-on-1 Consultation Calls - City of Kelowna, 2024

As part of its commitment to growing capacity for non-profit organizations, the City of Kelowna offered an insightful 90-minute virtual workshop to explore various ticket-selling models, from single tickets to memberships, multi-buyer discounts, and subscriptions. Ten participant organizations learned about the benefits and challenges of each and how to determine the best approach for their organization, and also received a one-on-one consultation to review and optimize their membership or subscription model.

The workshop facilitator shared real case studies from both rural and city-based arts organizations, along with the latest Canadian research on audience loyalty and building meaningful relationships with audiences.

“The consultation session was extremely helpful. Inge (the consultant) really challenged me to think about our membership offerings and whether I thought they were actually worth something or whether we are just going through the motions.” — Participant

OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW

• There is an opportunity to strengthen mentorship networks through transparent, relationship-based information sharing that supports peer learning, knowledge transfer etc.

• Shared administrative resources present an opportunity to reduce duplication and capacity strain, particularly for smaller organizations and independent artists, while improving efficiency across the cultural sector

Connections

Promote ongoing interactions between people, sectors and disciplines.

Goal 8: Share Our Story

Goal 9: Broaden the Reach

Goal 10: Convene and Connect

Heard About Harold - The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art and Creative Okanagan, 2024

Launched in 2024, Heard About Harold is a grassroots movement to promote and celebrate art and culture across the Central Okanagan, highlighting its importance in building healthy and vibrant communities. With leadership from the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, Creative Okanagan, and By Jove Co., the initiative aims to strengthen awareness, attendance, and support for local cultural events, organizations and artists.

Founded by members of the region’s arts and culture community, Heard About Harold was developed with input from more than 20 organizations, from the Okanagan Regional Library to the Kelowna Museums Society and Sncewips Heritage Museum.

The project is currently focused on delivering ‘The Weekly Harold,’ a digital newsletter that provides subscribers with a comprehensive list of the Central Okanagan’s upcoming arts and culture events. Currently, an average of 86 event listings are delivered to more than 1,600 people each Tuesday with an open rate of over 60%.

Heard About Harold serves as both a messenger and a rallying point for artists, creators, promoters, organizations, audiences, and funders. By encouraging collaboration and cross-promotion among cultural groups, Heard About Harold continues to build an active and connected community of arts supporters throughout the Central Okanagan.

“I love these weekly cheat sheets; It’s easy for me to see what days I have free and look at the option. I appreciate the streamlined visual approach, and I am definitely getting out to more shows/events because of it. Thank you.” — Christina Reavie

130 Years: Kelowna’s Longest Running Organization - Kelowna City

Concert Band, 2024

Goal 8

Share Our Story

Promote

8.5

The Kelowna City Concert Band is a stalwart presence in the city. In fact, the band is older than the city, having formed as early as 1894 before Kelowna’s incorporation. The band has operated continuously since its founding, with brief interruptions during World Wars I and II. 130 years later, the band’s membership comprises 60 musicians of all ages, from teens to seniors, from throughout the Central Okanagan. All players are volunteers who donate their time to rehearsals and concerts, including performances at annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, Canada Day Folkfest celebrations, Rutland May Days, public concerts in parks, seniors’ homes, and other locations.

Okanagan Screen Awards, Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmaking (OSIF)

Screening films, documentaries, animation, and more, the Okanagan Screen Awards (OSA) is a red-carpet film festival celebrating local talent from across the Okanagan Valley. The festival was launched in 2023 and brings creatives together to showcase their work, connect and collaborate. The 2024 festival drew more than 400 attendees and showcased over 70 locally produced projects. OSA is hosted by the Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmaking (OSIF).

“This event provided an invaluable platform for local filmmakers of all mediums to present their work, collaborate, and celebrate their achievements. It not only motivated creators to produce new art but also enriched Kelowna’s cultural vibrancy by bringing the community together to enjoy locally made stories…”

— Chelsea McEvoy, OSIF Past President, local filmmaker

Living Things FestivalInner Fish Theatre Society, 2025

In 2026, the Living Things International Arts Festival is celebrating its 10th year. Held annually in late January and early February, Living Things is a spectacle of live theatre, performance art, dance and music, and often includes mask performance, puppetry and interactive installations.

Produced by Inner Fish Performance Co., and artistically directed and curated by Neil Cadger, the festival features international, Canadian, and regional artists and collaborates in co-presentations with regional festivals and presenters, such as the PuSH Festival in Vancouver, the High Performance Rodeo in Calgary, and the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, Kelowna Art Gallery and Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna.

“My partner and I attended the Living Things Festival in Kelowna last year, and we were thoroughly impressed by the creative variety of shows they presented, and by the professionalism of all the performers and organizers of the event… the whole Festival provides the people of Kelowna with an amazing opportunity to be inspired, surprised and connected to each other through a unique shared experience. I hope to see many more Living Things Festivals in the future!”

— Amanda Sheehan, Festival Attendee

Heritage BC Outstanding Impact Volunteer Award - Kelowna Canadian Italian Club, 2023

Italian Canadians have played a significant role in our region for over 140 years, and in recent years, a group of passionate volunteers from the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club set out to help preserve that heritage.

The La Nostra Famiglia Italiana (Our Italian Family) Committee spent five years writing 150 family stories, conducting 32 online family tree workshop sessions, presenting 30 public heritage evenings, scanning 2500 documents for our local archives, and compiling over 60 hours of video interviews for the Legacy video series. The information gathered formed the foundation of a major exhibit with the Okanagan Heritage Museum and other celebratory events.

The committee’s outstanding efforts were recognized at the Heritage BC Awards Ceremony, where co-chairs Don Rampone and Gord Hotchkiss both received the Outstanding Impact Volunteer Award.

“Heritage BC is pleased to award to Gord Hotchkiss and Don Rampone, Co-Chairs of La Nostra Famiglia Italiana Committee, our Outstanding Impact in Volunteering award. The storytelling of Italian Canadian pioneer families is an example of community-led cultural heritage preservation. The success of the project required exhaustive research and a commendable commitment to building community.”

— Britney Dack, Chair of Heritage BC (2023)

Cultural Plan Report Card, 2020-2025

20th Anniversary CelebrationCool Arts Society, 2023

Founded in 2003, Cool Arts Society provides accessible art programs for adults with developmental disabilities, fostering creativity and promoting social inclusion. A 20th Anniversary Celebration and Exhibition event was held in the fall of 2023, showcasing artists’ individual artwork, several collaborative pieces and a visual representation of the past 20 years at Cool Arts.

The team at Cool Arts also spent countless hours reviewing their archives to compile a 20th Anniversary Book. In addition to support from volunteers, board members and staff, volunteers from UBCO helped interview all Cool Arts artists to create current biographies for the book. The result is a celebration of the artistic achievements of the artists over the past two decades, and the organization’s efforts to promote inclusion and accessibility in the art world.

40th Anniversary CelebrationsKelowna Bonsai Club, 2023

The Kelowna Bonsai Club is a group of some 60 members who share an interest in the art of bonsai, the Japanese practice of growing miniature, ornamental trees in shallow pots. Members gather on Sundays to learn, practice and share in community.

In 2023, the Kelowna Bonsai Club celebrated its 40th anniversary. To honour the occasion, the club hosted a public event in Kasugai Gardens with taiko drummers, Japanese sweets, karate demonstrations, and, of course, bonsai trees. The event was open to the wider public and featured members of bonsai clubs from across the Okanagan, representatives from the Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association, and students from UBC Okanagan.

CITY OF KELOWNA HIGHLIGHTS

Goal 9 Broaden the Reach

Incorporate culture within other sectors as an integral piece of community growth

Strategies

9.1

Expand the role of youth in the creative sector

9.2

Encourage participation in the arts as a method of provoking thoughtful conversations about local issues

9.3

Support cultural programming that promotes social inclusion and addresses important social issues

9.4

Encourage arts programming in non-arts mandated organizations with a focus on the development of new partnerships

9.5

Ensure the needs of the creative sector are appropriately captured in city plans and policies

All Youth Artist-in-Residence Adjudication Panel

To strengthen youth involvement in the creative sector, the City of Kelowna assembled a panel of five young people, ages 15 to 21, to serve on the All Youth Artist-in-Residence Adjudication Panel. Drawing on their critical thinking, interview skills, and understanding of the arts, the youth panel has played a crucial role in selecting Kelowna’s Artist-inResidence in 2024 and 2025.

This paid opportunity gave participants firsthand insight into how community art projects are funded and supported, while also allowing them to share their own perspectives. The experience offered valuable professional development and a meaningful opportunity for youth to consider what future careers in the arts may look like for them.

“I found sitting on the Artist in Residence Youth Selection Panel to be very valuable. It was really great to see the City of Kelowna having young people lead the decision-making for a project as significant as the Artist in Residence. It’s important for youth such as myself and the other panel members to be involved in these big decisions because we are the upcoming generation of cultural changemakers. Improvement is made by bringing in new faces.

Sitting on the Youth Selection Panel was also informative for me as someone who is likely to apply for Artist in Residence opportunities in the future. It helped me understand what makes a successful application.”

— Youth panel member

Kelowna Event Strategy

The Kelowna Event Strategy developed in early 2022 provides a clear, long-term vision for events in Kelowna, and identifies key focus areas and strategic goals for the sector. The intent is to help Kelowna shift from being a city full of events, to an ‘eventful city’ that strategically manages its events to ensure that they help achieve community priorities and make the city a better place to live.

The development of the Kelowna Event Strategy was led by the City of Kelowna and included the involvement of industry professionals, engagement of the public, and consultation with key interest groups as well as being informed through municipal comparisons and market research. The resulting strategy reflects insights from members and leaders in Kelowna’s cultural community, in keeping with the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan’s aim to “ensure the needs of the creative sector are appropriately captured in City plans and policies.”

The Kelowna Event Strategy provides an integrated approach to maximize how events achieve community priorities. Successful implementation will support the development and growth of a flourishing event industry, a balanced and dynamic event calendar, unique experiences that provide safe and vibrant spaces, and opportunities to bolster local businesses while enhancing resident pride.

Building a Stronger Kelowna: Call for Public Art

The City of Kelowna invited professional artists and artistled teams to submit their Expression of Interest for several public art commissions as part of Building a Stronger Kelowna — a collection of new recreation projects including the redevelopment of the Parkinson Rec Centre and three Activity Centres at Mission Rec Park, Glenmore Rec Park, and Rutland Lions Park.

Artists who responded to the call may be considered for public art commissions at any of the locations with sites yet to be determined. The public art opportunities will vary in size and complexity, providing an opportunity for experienced artists and cultural makers, as well as those who have not yet completed large-scale public artwork.

Initiating the Call to Artists early in the project cycles creates a unique opportunity to develop a curatorial program of permanent and temporary artworks that are part of an integrative approach. As a result, the original artworks will contribute to the identity of the project and the City of Kelowna, inspired by Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, and help tell the stories of this place.

Arnold Draper Young Artist Award, Chamber

Music Kelowna

In 2023, Chamber Music Kelowna established the Arnold Draper Fund to recognize Arnold Draper’s many contributions to nurturing young classical musicians in the Okanagan. The fund supports emerging talent by providing both financial assistance and performance opportunities, helping gifted musicians advance their skills and continue their pursuit of excellence.

Eligible applicants are residents of the Central Okanagan aged 12 to 28 who are dedicated to the study of classical music. Awards range from $750 to $1,500, and recipients are invited to perform at Chamber Music Kelowna concerts or events.

New Leaves Festival - Inspired Word Cafe, 2024

The New Leaves Festival of Arts and Culture, created by the Inspired Word Cafe (IWC), takes the idiom “turning over a new leaf” as inspiration to focus on an annually changing theme that speaks to the expressed and urgent needs of the community.

In 2024, the festival chose the theme “Queer Art as Resistance” in response to a rise in anti-LGBTQ2SIA+ sentiment in the Okanagan and beyond. Featuring 9 events over 3 days, the New Leaves Festival welcomed over 600 participants for its inaugural year. Partnerships with the Biodiversities of Gender project from UBCO, the Centre culturel francophone de l’Okanagan, and Espaces Francophone contributed to the event’s success. The collaborative approach increased monetary and in-kind resources, enabling the festival to bring in 5 artists from Alberta, Montreal, and New Brunswick. The artists came from myriad cultural, disciplinary, and linguistic backgrounds, creating one of the most unique cultural offerings the Okanagan has ever seen.

Organizers say that the most significant impact of the New Leaves Festival came when the theme’s value was put to the test. Protestors yelled homophobic and transphobic slurs at participants entering the “Children Reading to Drag Queens” event. A number of the Drag performers were “crying and shaken,” but the community “gathered and healed through the power of story.” The event went ahead, with youth reading family stories, and people coming together to talk and comfort each other.

“This shouldn’t be something we experience, let alone a highlight. But it shows how important this festival is and how important queer work in the Okanagan is. Watching the community galvanize, and love, and heal together was a huge highlight for us.” — New Leaves Festival organizers

BreakOut West

Goal 10 Convene and Connect

Incorporate culture within other sectors as an integral piece of community growth Strategies 10.1

Facilitate dialogue and collective action between people with similar interests

10.2

Explore opportunities for the broader involvement of local educational institutions in developing and supporting local artists, organizations and initiatives

10.3

Bring regional, provincial and national conferences or events to Kelowna

10.4

Facilitate networking between cultural stakeholders across the Okanagan region

10.5

Encourage community awareness and collaboration to advance the cultural plan strategies

BreakOut West is an annual music festival and industry development conference. Organized by the Western Canadian Music Alliance, BOW typically visits a different Western Canadian city every year. In October 2023, BreakOut West was held in Kelowna, with the city hosting four days of music industry events, a three-night music festival, and the Western Canadian Music Awards. Industry professionals, delegates and conference speakers from across Canada and around the world visited Kelowna, while more than 60 acts, including some of Western Canada’s best emerging artists, performed at venues in Kelowna’s Cultural and Brewery Districts.

Pacific Contact

Pacific Contact is BC Live’s annual showcase conference for the performing arts. Over four days, hundreds of performing arts professionals come together to plan performances, map out their seasons, share ideas and build connections. In April 2024, Pacific Contact was held in Kelowna. It was the first time the conference had been held outside the Lower Mainland. The event was held across several venues in Kelowna’s Cultural District, welcoming performing arts professionals for a dynamic program of showcases, meetings, and relationship building.

BC Provincial Championship Fiddle Contest & FiddleFest - BC Old Time Fiddlers, Branch #7

FiddleFest showcases championship fiddlers through live performances, lessons, workshops and the BC Provincial Fiddle Contest, offering a rich celebration of music and culture.

Featuring championship-level fiddlers, FiddleFest offers rare mentorship and inspiration that helps emerging musicians elevate their skills and expand the region’s talent pool. With over 200 musicians and bands representing diverse genres in the Okanagan, events like FiddleFest foster meaningful connections and strengthen the sense of community among artists.

Canadian Country Music Awards

In September 2025, Kelowna proudly hosted Canadian Country Music Week for the first time. Organized by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), this annual event brought four days of music, community connection, and celebration to the heart of the Okanagan. Showcasing an impressive mix of Canadian talent alongside international stars, the week culminated in the live broadcast of the 2025 CCMA Awards, presented by TD, from Prospera Place. This marked only the third occasion in over 40 years that the event was held in British Columbia, with the previous times being in Vancouver in 1987 and 2009.

Canadian Country Music Week features three key components: a vibrant music festival including CCMA Fan Village, Songwriters’ Series, talent showcases, FanFest, and Legends Show; the nationally televised CCMA Awards Show that highlights the year in country music; and a comprehensive industry conference offering educational workshops, networking events, and honors recognizing those working behind the scenes in the country music sector.

“Hosting the nation’s largest country music event is a chance for us to show all of Canada everything Kelowna has to offer. Over the four unforgettable days, the city will write its own country music story, and we’re ready to showcase the very best of the Okanagan—from our vibrant arts scene to our world-class hospitality— there’s something here for everyone to enjoy…”

— Tom Dyas, Kelowna Mayor

Major Event Artist Grant

To celebrate this milestone in Kelowna, the Canadian Country Music Association partnered with the City of Kelowna to invite local artists to pitch art installations that would bring the spirit of country music to life. The response was overwhelming, with five talented local artists selected to share vibrant, imaginative works that enriched the Country Music Week experience.

“This grant made a big difference. It gave me the push and confidence to slow down, try things, and actually create something larger than I usually would. It also helped me feel more connected and seen as an artist in Kelowna. It wasn’t just funding; it really helped me grow as a visual artist.”

— Raj Jain, Artist

CCMA House: Live at Waterfront Park

An exciting partnership also occurred between Kelowna’s Denim on the Diamond festival and the CCMA, resulting in a special two-day outdoor live-music CCMA House event at Waterfront Park. The event featured performances from 40 artists, creating an unforgettable celebration in one of Kelowna’s most picturesque settings.

Community and visitor feedback was extremely positive with several attendees noting that Kelowna was the most picturesque and welcoming city to host the event.

“It can be said that music is the very soul of this country and reflects the true identity of Canada. As the country genre evolves to embrace new styles, it is reflecting new versions of our Canadian identity, as well as our heritage. Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards continue to be a celebration of the music and the artists that represent our unique culture.” — CCMA.ORG

27,500 Total Attendees $11.7 Million Direct Business Sales

800+ National Media Articles / 249 million People Reached

3,824 Jobs Supported in the Community

54% of Businesses Saw Increased Revenue

“With this grant, we not only had some compensation for our time, but we were able to work at a larger scale with better tools and materials, making the whole thing bigger and better! Even just the fact that this grant existed at all really spurred us to come up with a proposal, too.”

— Tyson Neufeld and Chantel Thederahn, Artists

OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW

• Centralized marketing strategies and shared promotional tools, strengthening visibility, coordination, and public awareness of arts and culture offerings.

• Opportunities exist to deepen cross-sector connections with education, health, wellness, and other community partners, building collaborative relationships that use arts and culture to advance broader community well-being.

• Increasing youth involvement and youth-led initiatives remains a priority, with an opportunity to better ensure youth voices are meaningfully involved in the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of programs and services.

Moving Forward

As we look ahead, the City of Kelowna is actively developing a new Cultural Plan for 2027 and beyond. In the fall of 2025, the City invited residents to participate in shaping this plan through a variety of public engagement opportunities. This inclusive process ensures that the plan truly reflects Kelowna’s values, creativity, and diversity.

Building upon the successes and learnings of the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan, the new plan aims to guide how arts and culture are supported across the city in the years ahead. It will respond to evolving cultural needs and opportunities, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape that enriches community life, strengthens local economy, and supports creative expression for all residents.

The Cultural Plan will serve as a roadmap to enhance cultural vitality and inclusivity, promote innovative collaborations, and guide investments in cultural facilities and programs. By centering community voices and embracing Kelowna’s unique identity, the plan will help ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive as a vital part of the city’s future.

Through community feedback and engagement, here are some of the early highlights, trends, needs, and opportunities that have been identified for the new Cultural Plan:

Emerging Themes

1. Expand Access & Participation

• Strong desire for more variety in programming and experiences

• Need for more arts and cultural opportunities outside the Cultural District

• Affordability and access to programs and spaces remain a key concern

2. Strengthen Cultural Spaces & Public Realm

• Interest in supporting creative placemaking, public art, and public history initiatives

• Heritage and local cultural presence are important to the community

• Desire for vibrant, safe, and accessible public spaces

• Residents want more arts and culture visible outdoors (parks, community events) and through everyday interactions

3. Support Creative Sector Development

• Strengthening Kelowna as a hub for creative industries is important

• Support for local artists and arts organizations is a priority

• Community values the creative economy and connections to tourism opportunities

• Participants identified access to funding, space, and infrastructure as key needs amid rising financial and programming pressures

4. Advance Equity, Inclusion & Community Representation

• Strong interest in improving inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility across cultural offerings

• Indigenous partnerships and representation are highlighted as important

• Desire to see equity-deserving communities’ voices and stories reflected

• Celebration and visibility of multicultural heritage is valued

5. Integrate Culture into Policy & Planning

• Residents see a need for culture to be integrated into broader city planning

• Transparency, accountability, and coordination across city departments are important

• Community wants cultural planning to reflect Kelowna’s evolving needs and realities

6. Strengthen Communication & Engagement

• Interest in stronger communication about cultural programs and opportunities

• Residents want more ways to learn about and engage with arts and culture

Engagement to Date

To ensure the Cultural Plan reflects community priorities, a mix of workshops, interviews and online tools has been used to gather input from diverse participants.

At the time of writing, the following activities have been completed:

• Interdepartmental Working Group of City Staff

• Workshops with Community Working Groups

• One-on-one interviews and coffee conversations

• Ideas Exchange with cross-sector partners

• Pop-up sounding boards at events

• Online Questionnaire

• Online Vision Board

Looking Ahead

Further engagement activities will continue in 2026 with key interest holders including one-on-one interviews and workshops with an engagement summary and draft Cultural Plan expected in the spring.

“Kelowna has grown a lot since the 2020-2025 plan was developed, and we’re excited to see what the future brings...”

— Christine McWillis, Cultural Services Manager