Building a sense of community through a cultural hub
Design rendering of the future GVCC. Courtesy CFNO
Community Foundation North Okanagan is ready to accept donations directly for building the new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre!
When communities gather to explore innovative art exhibitions, dynamic educational programs and local heritage, the benefit is long-lasting relationships and the potential for continuous personal learning and growth. This is the goal for the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre, which will become the new cultural hub for the region.
The GVCC will provide a new home for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and museum, an indoor and outdoor gathering space for the diverse and growing population, and an intimate presentation space to energize the downtown core with live performances.
The facility will attract exhibitions and performances to delight community members and visitors and be a place to nurture and celebrate the North Okanagan’s emerging artists.
Cultural hubs help artists realize their dreams and take their practice to a new level. With more than 8,600 practising artists in the region, having a physical space to come together will offer opportunities to develop, professionalize and monetize work to heights that are often not possible in smaller urban centres like the North Okanagan.
Leanne Hammond, Executive Director of the Community Foundation North Okanagan, explains why CFNO is proud to be participating in this fundraising campaign: “Art and cultural experiences offer direct opportunities to expand our perspectives and embrace the full breadth and beauty of our shared humanity,” she says.
“By donating today, your contribution will not only help to construct a building – it will also be an investment in our community’s art and heritage, our youth, our downtown and our local economy.”
Creating this permanent infrastructure will be a significant step toward preserving the collection of art and artifacts that record the local history. The art and heritage collections are seriously at risk in their current locations and this new facility will provide a safe and secure home with room to grow.
Design rendering of the future GVCC Lobby & Level 1. Courtesy CFNO
Arts and culture are thriving across the North Okanagan, in large part due to the beauty of the natural environment that draws artists to the community and inspires creativity. The GVCC will be constructed to honour the importance of protecting the environment – being constructed as net-zero energy ready. This space will be an example of how cultural infrastructure can lead the way in environmental design and be the catalyst for a more creative and sustainable community.
The GVCC will welcome more than 60,000 visitors per year, bringing direct economic benefit. Additionally, it will enrich visitor stays, expand program and education offerings, add jobs and complement other popular tourist attractions like the Okanagan Rail Trail and agritourism attractions, along with the beautiful lakes and ski hills. The GVCC will be a catalyst for downtown revitalization and continued residential development in the city centre in turn helping local businesses thrive.
Please join the collective action to open the doors at the new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre! Donations to the GVCC project can be made directly to the Community Foundation North Okanagan.