Executive & Artistic Director
Island Mountain Arts
Providing access to arts education and experiences in Wells BC since 1977, Island Mountain Arts (IMA) is a leading arts organization in Northern British Columbia and has created numerous arts and culture spin-offs throughout the area, including encouraging the growth and development of artists and artistic practice in the north. An anchor-organization in its community, Island Mountain Arts has attracted world-class and emerging artists to Wells to educate, perform, study and exhibit in a wide range of artistic mediums. Maintaining a gallery space, artist residence, bursary program, artist studio and library, community events and year-round arts education programs, Island Mountain Arts is an organization well respected in their field and has positive relationships with Provincial and Federal arts funding programs.
Wells, British Columbia is located on the shared territory of seven First Nations: Lhtako, Nazko, Lhoosk’uz, Ulkatcho, ?Esdilagh, Xatśūll, Simpcw, and Lheidli. Wells has a year-round population of 250 which swells in summer months to around 500. Wells is home to an interesting mix of artists, performers, entrepreneurs, employees of a nearby local heritage site (Barkerville Heritage Site) and nearby mining operations (Cariboo Gold Project). Nestled in the Cariboo Mountain Range, Wells is a launching-off point for many outdoor recreation enthusiasts eager to tackle the week-long Bowron Lake Chain via kayak and canoe and an important stop on the 1830’s Cariboo Gold Rush Wagon Road. Wells is located a day’s travel from Vancouver and roughly 175 km south of Prince George. Commercial flights are regularly available through Central Mountain Air out of nearby Quesnel.
OUR MISSION
“Island Mountain Arts serves artists and stimulates and enhances artistic, cultural and economic development by striving for excellence in the arts through workshops, seminars, exhibitions and the ArtsWells Festival.”
CORE VALUES
Accountability, Excellence, Integrity, Community
VISION STATEMENT
“IMA’s programs aim to improve the artistic and financial well-being of artists by offering a learning environment within a day’s travel of most places in B.C. It aims to increase the level of respect and appreciation for art and artists, and to integrate culture into all possible areas of society.”