About The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley
For nearly six decades, the Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley (CAC) has been a driving force in fostering creativity, artistic expression, and cultural enrichment in our community. Established in 1965 and incorporated as a non-profit society in 1971, the CAC has played a vital role in supporting and promoting the arts in the region.
In 1977, the CAC found its home at the historic Rollin Art Centre, where it flourished as a hub for local artists and cultural programming. In 2022, the organization embraced a new chapter, relocating to Harbour Quay, where it launched The Grove Gallery and Gift Shop—a vibrant space dedicated to showcasing and supporting artists while continuing its mission to inspire and engage the community.
Our Mission & Impact
The CAC and Grove Gallery exist to enhance the quality of life in the Alberni Valley by championing the arts. We do this by:
- Providing Arts Education & Information – Offering resources, workshops, and opportunities for learning and artistic development.
- Delivering High-Quality Programming – Supporting and organizing events, exhibitions, and performances across all artistic disciplines.
- Preserving and Developing Cultural Spaces – Advocating for the maintenance and growth of arts facilities and institutions.
- Shaping Cultural Policy – Contributing to the development of arts and culture policies at the local, regional, provincial, and national levels.
Through these efforts, the CAC continues to be a pillar of creativity and cultural leadership, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of the Alberni Valley community.
Our Vision
The Community Arts Council is recognized and supported as the umbrella (coordinating) agency promoting and advocating for the arts. As a result of leadership provided by the CAC, all organizations within the arts sector are thriving and working together to ensure that art continues to be a catalyst for individual, community, and economic growth.
A vibrant, healthy, prosperous community through the arts!
Our Mission
The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley exists to enhance the quality of life for all sectors of the population in our community by promoting the arts.
We:
- Provide art education and information
- Advocate for the arts and those working in the arts
- Provide and support quality programming and services in all facets of the arts
- Maintain a visible and active presence for the arts through the Grove Gallery
- Participate in the preservation, planning, and development of cultural facilities and institutions
- Contribute to the development of cultural policies at the local, regional, provincial, and national levels, and
- Foster community economic growth through the arts
Enhancing quality of life through the arts!
Our Values
These values guide our work:
- Accountability – We are fiscally responsible and are accountable to all our stakeholders
- Collaboration – We work with others to increase exposure and impact for the arts in our community. We build bridges with businesses, local government, social services, education, arts groups, service groups, and tourism.
- Inclusion – We create an environment, in person and online, that is welcoming to artists and viewers alike. We are committed to diversity and inclusion. We strive for physical and financial accessibility for all.
- Innovation – We encourage progressive thinking, flexibility and responsible risk-taking to support the arts and the community.
- Integrity – We conduct business in a transparent, ethical, and honest manner. We are committed to our social responsibility of creating a better community.
- Respect – We treat one another with respect, honesty, and courtesy. We respect differences of opinion and deal with conflict in an open and caring manner.
Inclusion and Diversity
Inclusivity and diversity are at the core of our values, reflecting our commitment to being a space where everyone feels welcomed, represented, and inspired. We believe that art has the power to bridge differences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives and cultures. Our programming, exhibitions, and outreach efforts are designed to highlight the voices and works of artists from a wide range of backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.
Board of Directors
Acting President: Mike Hill
Vice President: Suzanne Dube
Secretary: Brianna Harvey
Treasurer: Amy Mayo
Director At Large: Randy Smith
Director At Large: Tamsin Miller
Director At Large: Jane Victoria King
Staff
Arts Administrator: Angela Skaley
Gift Shop Coordinator: Mary-Ann McGrath
Gallery Coordinator: Hatchet Craig
Gallery Attendant: Adrianna Derbyshire
Community Partners
The Community Arts Council welcomes the support of our Community Partners:
- Alberni Valley Community Foundation
- Arts BC
- B.C. Arts Council
- City of Port Alberni
- Alberni Heritage Network
- Alberni District Secondary School
- Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Port Alberni Tourism
- The Peak FM 93.3
- Arrowsmith Rotary Club
- Portal Players Dramatic Society
- Char’s Landing
- Shaw TV
- Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce
Volunteers of the Year
- Lily Diotte (1999)
- Anna Cole (2019)
- Lawrence Gavelin (2000)
- Cheryl Granneman – PAACL (2019)
- Elsie Reynolds (2001)
- Brittney Corringe – PAACL (2019)
- Joan Roach (2001)
- Sherry Williams (2019)
- Lawrence Gavelin (2015)
- Trent Martin (2020)
- Janice Konkin (2021)
Our History
The Community Arts Council of Port Alberni was founded at the Rollin Art Centre, nestled in the heart of Port Alberni.
Originally built as a family home in the early 20th century, this charming Edwardian-style house was later transformed into a vibrant arts center, thanks to the visionary efforts of local art enthusiasts and the generous donation of the Rollin family. It served as our home for over 30 years, as well as for artists and art lovers alike, offering a unique space for exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.
In 2022, the CAC moved to its current location at Harbour Quay, a time that was filled with uncertainty. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers, board members and staff, we were able to re-establish and regenerate. We want to give a special thank you to Claudine Romaniuk, secretary (2005 – 2025), Nancy Blair, board president (2016 – 2025), and Melissa Martin (2011 – 2024) for their tireless efforts in ensuring the transition was a success.
We have many more sponsors and volunteers we would like to thank, which you can view on our Sponsors page.