The Island Arts Centre Society was formed in 1989 by the visual and performing artists and artisans of Salt Spring Island (population 10,000), in conjunction with the Gulf Islands Community Arts Council and Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission. It was given the mandate to raise funds and to design, build and operate a new centre for the arts.
ArtSpring grew out of the dreams and efforts of the island community. The completion cost of ArtSpring was $1,900,000 for which over 50% of the funds were raised through the local community. Artist Robert Bateman officially opened ArtSpring in April 1999.
Artspring supports all other organizations on Salt Spring Island that have as their purpose the advancement of the performing, visual and creative arts and crafts. They provide theatre, gallery, display space and workshop space for the performing, visual and creative arts and crafts.
ArtSpring is an 11,800-square-foot, two-level heavy timber structure boasting a 5,200-square-foot exhibition/multi-purpose area and a 6,600-square-foot, 265-seat theatre. ArtSpring's activities are primarily associated with rentals by local professionals, semi-professionals, amateurs, school groups, guilds and visual artists. Events presented by ArtSpring are chosen to complement, enhance and diversify what is already available through local arts organizations.
ArtSpring has proudly presented Maureen Forrester, Jane Coop, Marc-Andre Hamelin, I Musici de Montreal, Octagon, James Parker, Dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, Mario Bernardi, Tracy Dahl, Shari Ulrich, m-pact, Valdy, Sylvia Tyson and Cindy Church, among others.
In addition to Artspring, many locations provide performances and cultural events. The calendar below will show the more prominent events throughout the year.
ANNUAL FESTIVALS
Salt Spring offers a rich mixture of festivals throughout the year. Check with us when you arrive for these and other current activties.
Festival Artspring
Apple Festival
A self-guided tour of orchards. Includes heritage apples, sampling, and workshops. Held in September.
Festival of the Arts
A varied mix of top quality talent.
The Fall Fair
A wonderful and fun rural festival with games, exhibits, shows - for all the family.
Fiber Arts Festival
Local yarns and goods made from them are a special part of Salt Spring's arts and crafts.
