ArtSea Community Arts Council is a charitable organization that works to ignite interest and appreciation for all forms of the arts, and cultural activities on the Saanich Peninsula. Activities are open to the entire community, welcoming artists at all levels, from emerging to professional artists, arts and culture groups, and community members curious about the arts.
The ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park
The ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park is situated along the beautiful waterfront walkway in Sidney, BC. There is a new artist-led exhibition almost every week. The ArtSea Gallery is a valued attraction and community meeting point for residents and tourists visiting the Saanich Peninsula. In 2024, the ArtSea Gallery was voted the favourite gallery on the Peninsula for the second year in a row, according to the Peninsula News Review Reader’s Choice Awards.
Salish Sea Lantern Festival
The Salish Sea Lantern Festival is a magical celebration of light, community, and artistic expression in August. During the Week of Lanterns, enjoy workshops and lantern installations in the community. And then join us for the free evening event, which includes musical performances and interactive costumed characters, and culminates in a magical lantern procession along the waterfront.
ArtSea Studio Tour
The ArtSea Studio Tour is one of Vancouver Island’s longest running self-guided studio tours on the island! Between 30 and 40 artists and artisans open their studio doors to the public. Everyone is welcome to explore the Peninsula and experience the diverse range of talent and treasures that are available.
The ArtSea Scholarship Program
the ArtSea Scholarship Program provides $1,250 each year to support the development of young artists.
The Dianne Cross Award for the Arts was created in recognition of one of the founders of ArtSea to honour her remarkable contribution to arts and cultural activities on the Peninsula.
The Saanich Peninsula Arts and Culture Grant and Bursary Program
ArtSea administers The Saanich Peninsula Arts and Culture Grant (SPACG) Program, with grant and bursary funding provided by the Town of Sidney, and the District of North Saanich to support local arts and culture initiatives.
If you are an individual that resides on the Peninsula, or a group/collective that provides programs to the residents of the Peninsula, we invite you to learn more about this funding stream!
The Sidney Art Walk (Partnership with the SBIA)
The Sidney Art Walk is a partnership program presented by ArtSea and the Sidney BIA. Local businesses are invited by the SBIA to display the work of local artist and artisans (ArtSea members) in the windows of their establishments.
This is a wonderful partnership program that benefits local artists and business, and provides an opportunity for the residents and visitors to engage with local arts and culture.
ArtSea Membership Profiles
ArtSea Membership Profiles are free dedicated webspace for ArtSea Members to share their information and work online. Profile pages may include name, address, preferred media or art form, and artist Bio, and an image gallery of works. Profiles are created and maintained by each ArtSea Member.
ArtSea Newsletter
The ArtSea Newsletter is a monthly email distributed to more than 1000 subscribers. The Newsletter provides information and updates about ArtSea Programming, upcoming opportunities to register or get involved with local arts and culture, and information shared by ArtSea members and partners.
Support for ArtSea Community Arts Council
ArtSea Community Arts Council is a charitable organization that relies on support from the community in order to operate and present arts and cultural programming. ArtSea is grateful for financial support received through grants, sponsorships, and donations, as well as in-kind support from our community partners.
ArtSea is grateful for support from our Provincial and Municipal partners.
ArtSea is fortunate to operate within the unceded territory of the Coast Salish People – within the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation – Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout and Tseycum peoples.
