The Southern Gulf Islands Arts Council is a registered non-profit society operated by volunteers who are passionate about the arts and committed to their island communities. Previously known as the Trincomali Arts Council when the society was registered in 1999, the organization has a long history in the region and over the years it has benefited from the time, talents, and significant efforts of many dedicated individuals.

The islands’ geographic separation makes it challenging to hold regular meetings but board members communicate electronically as needed and meet in person when possible. In accordance with non-profit regulations, an Annual General Meeting is held each year. 
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The organization's bylaws were signficantly revised in 2019. One of the outcomes was to give each island two seats on the regional board to ensure equal representation regardless of population. Another important outcome was to create a framework wherein each island can form its own branch, offering autonomy to manage local affairs while benefiting from the regional "umbrella" of support. ​The first such branch to form was Mayne Island (2019) followed by Saturna Island (2021).
We acknowledge that we are fortunate to live ​and create on unceded territory of Coast Salish people.
Board of directors
  • Kristine Webber (Mayne), President/Treasurer
  • Stephen Cropper (Mayne), Vice President
  • Pamala Page (Saturna), Secretary
  • Andrée Fredette (Saturna), Director at Large​
  • Yasemin Demir (Galiano), Supporting Director
  • Pender Supporting Director- open
Documents

​Arts projects, programs & more

BC Ferries Partnership
The Southern Gulf Island Arts Council organizes and installs exhibits in the "floating gallery" display cases on BC Ferries vessels. This currently includes the Queen of  Cumberland from Swartz Bay, and two Salish class ferries designated to serve the Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay routes serving the Southern Gulf Islands. We are grateful to BC Ferries for the ongoing opportunity to showcase the work of our members.
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Artists interested in having their work included in BC Ferries displays can contact [email protected]. Note that a current membership with the Southern Gulf Islands Arts Council is required and artists must have a strong affiliation with Galiano, Mayne, Pender or Saturna Island.
​Capital Projects
When the Southern Gulf Islands Arts Council was originally formed , a reserve of capital funding was allocated to each island. Projects that benefited from this funding were:
  • Galiano Library 
  • Mayne Community Bandshell 
  • Pender Community Hall
  • Saturna Community Hall
The remaining capital fund ($10,000) is allocated to Mayne Island for a suitable future project.
Programs & Events
Here are some examples of recent initiatives undertaken by the Southern Gulf Island Arts Council:
  • The Southern Gulf Islands Arts Council launched Arts on the Islands Regional Exhibition in 2020, and it has taken place again in 2021 and 2023. The 2023 exhibition included a live show at ArtSea Gallery in Sidney, BC.
  • In 2020, the Southern Gulf Islands Arts Council launched its online Artists Directory for all member artists.
  • On an ongoing basis, the Mayne Island branch receives funding through Parks and Recreation to provide local arts programming. The branch also organizes exhibitions at the historic Agricultural Hall and the Mayne Library. 
  • Funding was obtained to supported cultural activity on Pender and Saturna during the inter-island Tour des Iles festival in 2017.​
  • Past regional art exhibitions have been held in connection with Festival Active Pass (Mayne/Galiano) and Canada Day celebrations (Mayne).