The Assembly of BC Arts Councils is a provincial arts service organization that works with BC's 92 active community and regional arts councils and other community-based arts organizations to advance community arts and cultural development, learning and practice. It provides advocacy, education, and information resources to promote the unique ways the arts and artists can contribute to the enrichment of community life.

This year's conference brought together 120 individuals and arts council representatives from throughout BC to exchange ideas and opinions, and attend workshops on subjects ranging from volunteer management to cultural diversity to the role of community arts councils in urban centres. In addition to two and a half days of workshops and forums, conference delegates experienced the works of two North Vancouver based artists in two very different surroundings.

At the conference's opening reception on September 19th at CityScape Community Art Space, the work of artist David Neel provided the setting for a collaboration between Neel and North Vancouver grade four and grade nine students. The exhibit presented interpretations of the legends of two First Nations. Neel's vibrant acrylic paintings explored the myths and stories of his Kwagiutl heritage, while the children's drawings represented interpretations of N'isga legends as recounted by storyteller Randy Tait. Tait was visiting artist to a number of North Vancouver schools.

The following evening, North Vancouver glass sculptor Robert Keillor's installation, The Dance of the Odonata formed the backdrop for the conference banquet at the Lynn Canyon Café. The permanent installation consists of nine individual sculptures, each an accurate representation of dragonfly species indigenous to North Vancouver's Lynn Canyon and Rice Lake area.

The keynote speaker at the Assembly's Annual General Meeting was well known author, journalist and arts advocate Max Wyman. His speech focussed on society's fundamental right of access to arts and culture, the central place of arts and culture in a healthy, vibrant society, and the important role of the arts in challenging our assumptions and asking difficult questions.

In addition to conference activities, delegates enjoyed shopping at Opus' newest store, which is located in North Vancouver and Linda Perron of Pacific Region Arts Council on Vancouver Island was the delighted winner of the draw for a 'goodie bag' of art supplies. The Assembly sends a big thank-you to Opus for support.

For details on the Assembly of BC Arts Councils visit www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca, or call 1-888-315-2288 or email info@assemblybcartscouncils.ca

Contributed by Gina Sufrin, Executive Director
Assembly of BC Arts Councils