Peace Liard Regional Arts Council

The Peace Liard Regional Arts Council (PLRAC), now known as Arts North East, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and fostering the arts and culture in the Peace Liard region of northeastern British Columbia. Established since 1989, it has been a pivotal force in enhancing artistic opportunities and community engagement throughout the region[4].

Mandate

The council's primary objectives include:

• Raising Awareness and Support: Fostering interest and pride in the region's cultural heritage, encouraging public support, and promoting participation in cultural programs and activities[5].
• Cultural Development: Stimulating the development of cultural projects, facilitating opportunities for artists, and enhancing public appreciation for the arts[5].
• Multicultural Development: Recognizing and valuing diverse cultural contributions within the Canadian context[5].

Service Area

The organization serves several regional arts councils, including the Chetwynd Community Arts Council, Northern Rockies Community Arts Council, Fort St. John Community Arts Council, Peace Valley Arts Society, South Peace Community Arts Council, and Tumbler Ridge Community Arts Council[1].

Name Change

In 2023, the organization underwent a name change to Arts North East to better reflect its comprehensive role in the region. This decision was influenced by the long-standing name being somewhat cumbersome, as well as changes in regional designations, such as the name of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality[3]. The new name aims to encapsulate the organization's broader reach and role in northeastern British Columbia.

Programs and Activities

Arts North East offers various programs, such as the Open Sky Exhibition, a youth art exhibition, and an artist-in-residence program. These initiatives are designed to support visual artists and encourage community involvement in the arts[1].

Funding and Partnerships

The organization has received support from entities such as the Peace River Regional District, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, the BC Arts Council, and the Province of British Columbia[1].

[1] https://peaceliardarts.org [2] https://peaceliardarts.org/author/dkane/ [3] https://energeticcity.ca/2023/05/11/peace-liard-regional-arts-council-changes-name/ [4] https://www.neverbounce.com/company/peace-liard-regional-arts-coun/220791228 [5] https://artsnortheast.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/3a-Framework.pdf