The CVRD plays a vital role in enhancing the cultural vitality of the Cowichan Region. Since 2016, the Arts & Culture Division’s mandate aims to develop creative sectors across the region through a dedicated service function.

This government function provides annual funding for five sub-regional arts councils. An annual grant fund also provides an opportunity for local organizations to offer creative programming for community benefit and entertainment. Two youth scholarships get awarded to support young artists ambitions and careers.

Under the direction of the Arts & Culture Division Manager, the fully-equipped Cowichan Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) offers a professional theatre space for both touring acts and local groups. Please see the CPAC website for additional information on the regional theatre.

Creative Cowichan: Arts & Culture Master Plan

The CVRD proudly presents their five-year arts and culture strategy, Creative Cowichan: Arts & Culture Master Plan. The plan provides a framework to enhance and support the arts across the region. The CVRD supports opportunities to nurture talent, enhance creative industries, draw inspiration from nature, and reflect the region’s diversity.

Working with the consultant team, Happy Cities, this “made in Cowichan” plan developed through eight months of community engagement. The CVRD heard from over 1,500 residents on how to best support creative spaces, activities, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Review Round 1 and Round 2 of the Engagement Summary Reports for details on how the plan’s strategies developed. 

The CVRD Arts & Culture Division Responsibilities:

• Support arts and culture initiatives across the region, through the implementation of the Creative Cowichan Plan
• Operate the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
• Fund the sub-regional arts councils throughout the Cowichan Region
  • Cowichan Valley Arts Council https://cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca/
  • Cowichan South Arts Guild https://cowichansouthartsguild.com/
  • Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society https://cvcas.ca/
  • Cowichan Lake Arts and Culture Society https://www.cowichanlakeartsandculture.org/
  • Arts Council of Ladysmith & District https://www.ladysmitharts.ca/
• Provide Regional Arts & Culture Grants for eligible arts & culture organizations who qualify

Arts & Culture Division Mandate:

• Act as a resource for the creative community of the Cowichan Region
• Develop arts initiatives and foster collaboration throughout the Cowichan Region
• Advocate for the impact and value of arts within the region
• Provide a rich diversity of national and international stage performances at CPAC

Culture Days 2025 Call Out:

The CVRD Arts & Culture Division is encouraging businesses, organizations, and individuals to host a Culture Days public event to showcase the immense variety of our cultural offerings across the region during national Culture Days from September 19 - October 12, 2025. All registered events within the Cowichan Region will receive an invitation to be included in the free regional marketing hub.   

Culture Days welcomes all kinds of public art, culture, and heritage activities. From gallery tours to nature walks and hands-on workshops to jam sessions, there are endless ways to participate. Museums, galleries, schools, libraries, performance spaces, artists, musicians, and more are encouraged to host a free, ‘pay-what-you-can,’ or by-donation event.

Examples of Culture Days programming ideas:

• Sharing oral histories or storytelling events
• Build a community time capsule
• Host a film night or book exchange
• Offer a pre-show talkback or behind-the-scenes look at a scheduled event
• Host an artist or dance studio tour
• Organize a flash dance mob 
• Offer a farm, orchard, vineyard, or brewery tour
• Pair a nature walk with poetry writing, photography, or sketching

Visit www.culturedays.ca to register events by August 15, 2025.

For more information or help with registering your event, please connect with the CVRD Arts & Culture Division at arts@cvrd.bc.ca.