Merritt BC Canada, The corner of Voght Street and Nicola avenue.

A Brief History

The Nicola Valley Community Arts Council (NVCAC) has been a central force in fostering arts and culture in Merritt, BC, for over four decades.History of the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council * Founding in 1982: The NVCAC was established in 1982 as a non-profit society, with a primary focus on the performing arts. * Launching the Community Concert Series: One of its founding and initial major projects was the Community Concert Series, which brought various musical concerts to Merritt. The Council also fundraised to purchase and maintain a grand piano for community use at the Civic Centre. * Expansion into Visual Arts (2005): In March 2005, the Arts Council moved into the historic Old Courthouse Building. This move allowed them to expand their mandate into the visual arts and open the Courthouse Art Gallery, giving them a permanent home for the first time in many years. * Major Relocation to the Jackson Building (2020): After 15 years, the NVCAC moved in the fall of 2020 to the more visible, downtown Jackson Building (at 2051 Voght Street). This new location, now known as the Nicola Valley Arts Centre, provided a larger, more accessible space for a gallery, an artisan gift shop, and a dedicated program space. * Focus on Community Programming: The NVCAC continues to champion the arts through year-round activities, including a monthly changing art gallery, operating an artisan gift shop featuring local crafts, and hosting various arts classes and workshops for adults and youth. * Public Art Initiatives and

Volunteerism: Who Done It

The Council actively engages in community projects, such as public art installations (like murals) and the Little Free Art Gallery, all powered by a dedicated group of volunteers who are the backbone of the organization.

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