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 by creating opportunities for artists, audiences, and community members to connect, participate, and be inspired.
Guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by dedicated staff, artists, and volunteers, ArtSea works to keep the arts accessible, inclusive, and vibrant across the region.
ArtSea delivers community arts and cultural programs including the ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park, the Salish Sea Lantern Festival, the ArtSea Studio Tour, and the ArtSea Scholarship – The Dianne Cross Award for the Arts. ArtSea also administers the Saanich Peninsula Arts and Culture Grant Program, supporting local creative initiatives.
Together, these programs celebrate local talent, strengthen community belonging, and contribute to a thriving cultural landscape for the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria.
As a registered charitable organization, ArtSea operates in accordance with the BC Societies Act.
ArtSea Vision, Mission, and Mandate
Vision: For the Saanich Peninsula to be recognized as a major art and cultural centre in British Columbia.
Mission: ArtSea supports and promotes the development of all forms of the arts and cultural activities on the Saanich Peninsula.
Mandate: To encourage public awareness of and participation in the cultural life of the Saanich Peninsula. To fulfill its mandate ArtSea will:
- Promote awareness of, and participation in, the arts.
- Serve as the cultural voice of the community, advocating on its behalf with government and industry stakeholders.
- Be the go-to place for information and resources on arts and culture.
- Work in collaboration with community partners and arts organizations in facilitating high quality and diverse artistic programming and events.
- Be a springboard of community engaged art.
ArtSea Operations
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 has an open membership available to artists, arts and cultural groups, and residents interested in the arts. ArtSea Community Arts Council is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and achieves its goals through the valued contribution of dedicated staff and volunteers.
ArtSea History
ArtSea Community Arts Council has played an essential role in the cultural and artistic activities on the Saanich Peninsula since 1991. Formally known as the Community Arts Council for the Saanich Peninsula (CACSP), ArtSea is a registered charitable organization that offers a variety of arts and cultural programs and events throughout the year.
Dianne Cross was one of the original founders of the Society. A student scholarship, The Dianne Cross Award for the Arts, is sponsored by ArtSea each year in honour of Dianne’s remarkable contribution to arts and cultural activities on the Saanich Peninsula.
ArtSea Documentation and Information Privacy
Confidential information and materials including membership, patrons, sponsors, financial and credit card information that is not in the public domain are treated as confidential by ArtSea in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) www.priv.gc.ca.
ArtSea Organizational Documentation, such as the Constitution, Bylaws, Annual Reports, etc., are available in PDF format for the public to download or view online.
ArtSea Programs and Events
Through the contributions of dedicated volunteers and staff, ArtSea delivers a variety programs and events that support and celebrate the arts on the Saanich Peninsula. ArtSea plays a vital role in enriching the cultural landscape of the region by providing opportunities for artists, artisans, and the broader community to connect through creative expression.
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.
