The Grove Gallery will be closing December 21st, 2025.
The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley is announcing a significant strategic evolution to better serve the changing needs of the community and the arts sector.
After careful consideration, the Alberni Arts Council Board of Directors has made the decision to terminate its’ gallery (The Grove) lease with the City of Port Alberni, and suspend the gallery. The Grove gallery has been in operation at the Harbour Quay since 2022, where they previously operated the Rollin Arts Centre for over five decades.
The closing of the Grove Gallery means that there will no longer be a single, dedicated arts gallery space in the Alberni Valley, and the Arts Council will work to support and develop other exhibiting spaces. The Alberni Arts Council recognizes that for some community members, a gallery in the Alberni Valley may be essential. We encourage those that believe so, to join the Arts Council as a member and join efforts to work towards advocating for more subsidized arts spaces with our local municipalities.
The Alberni Arts Council will be moving into a dynamic new partnership with the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. This bold move is part of the Alberni Arts Council’s commitment to evolve from a traditional model focused mostly on visual arts into a more modern, community impact model that ensures all arts are represented and supported.
FAQ’s about the Transition
1. What is happening to The Grove Art Gallery?
The Grove Art Gallery at Harbour Quay will close permanently at the end of December, after the Christmas season. The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley (CAC) has decided to terminate its lease with the City of Port Alberni and suspend gallery operations as part of a broader organizational transition. The operations of the arts council will continue at the Visitor Centre, in partnership with the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce.
In January, the Arts Council will clearout it’s furniture, office supplies and much of it’s art and art-making materials. If you’d like to see the clearance items, call us at 250-724-3412.
2. Why is the gallery closing?
The decision was made after months of internal investigation with the help of consultants, financial review and community engagement, including public roundtables and surveys. Like many arts councils across B.C. and Canada, CAC has faced growing challenges related to:
- Rising operating and maintenance costs
- Limited capacity and staff burnout
- Being tied to a single building rather than serving the wider community
Closing the gallery allows the Arts Council to redirect financial and human resources toward programs, partnerships, and services that better meet the evolving needs of the Alberni Valley.
3. Was this decision made lightly?
No. This transition was informed by:
- Artist roundtables and community discussions
- Online surveys
- Research on how modern arts councils are adapting across Canada
The Board recognizes this change is disruptive for some and is committed to minimizing negative impacts while creating new opportunities.
4. Does this mean there will be no art gallery in the Alberni Valley?
At this time, there will no longer be a single, dedicated Arts Council–run gallery. However:
- The Arts Council will work to support and develop multiple exhibition spaces throughout the community
- Artists and community members interested in advocating for a future subsidized gallery space are encouraged to join the Arts Council and help lead that effort
- Interest has been expressed in an artist co-op model, which remains a community-driven possibility
5. What will happen to artists who previously exhibited at The Grove?
- Arts Council members will be contacted directly about new opportunities
- The Council is exploring alternative ways to showcase local art, including displays in public spaces and partnerships with businesses
- The gift shop will be transferred to the Visitor Centre, managed by the Chamber of Commerce
6. What is the Arts Council changing into?
The Arts Council is transitioning toward an Arts Community Development Model, which focuses on:
- Supporting all art forms, not just visual arts
- Bringing programs “to where people are” (parks, community venues, pop-ups)
- Increasing inclusion, participation, and community impact
- Strengthening arts’ role in economic development and advocacy
Some programs and services may be temporarily suspended during this transition.
7. What is the partnership with the Chamber of Commerce?
CAC will partner with the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and move its administrative base to the Visitor Centre. This partnership:
- Provides a more stable foundation for the Arts Council
- Creates opportunities to connect artists with local businesses
- Helps integrate arts and culture into the region’s economic vitality
8. What happens to the Harbour Quay space?
The Arts Council will end its lease with the City of Port Alberni. Any future use of the space will be determined by the City.
9. How can artists and community members have a say?
There are several ways to get involved:
- Complete the online survey at alberniarts.com/survey Please remove, this survey is done now
- Become a member of the Arts Council, join the board of directors or meet with the director, Angela https://meet.brevo.com/angela-skaley
- Participate in discussions about potential models such as artist co-ops or shared gallery spaces – you can add the sign up form here: https://form.jotform.com/253215930854256
10. What were the key questions guiding this transition?
Community input is shaping decisions around:
- What opportunities local artists need to thrive creatively, professionally, and financially
- How to increase inclusion and participation in arts and culture
- What partnerships can strengthen the arts locally
- What cultural activities the community wants to see more of
12. Who can I contact for more information?
Chat with our staff directly (250)724-3412
Visit alberniarts.com for Updates and Register for our Newsletter
Watch for official announcements from the Board President in the local paper
Book a One-on-one meeting with our Administrator Angela by emailing admin@alberniarts.com