Skip to content

Arts council celebrates 40th anniversary

CDAC is kicking off the summer with a handful of Cranbrook’s most talented acts

Kaity Brown

The Cranbrook and District Arts Council is having their 40th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Ktunaxa Gymnasium, 220 Cranbrook Street.

The council is celebrating their achievements over the past 40 years on the same date, May 17, as the council was founded.

They will be showcasing an eclectic mix of talents, from belly dancers to storytelling to Celtic music.

“On May 17 we are having a variety show with various performances from local artists to celebrate the arts,” said Louise Shelby, the Arts Council Treasurer and Coordinator for the Anniversary Celebration.

Among the line up of these talented locals are: Bud Abbott, comedic storyteller;  Scott Buxton, a woodwind instrument performer and maker; Leather Britches, a Celtic band; Lorraine Butler and Ellen Bailey, two of Cranbrook’s singing instructors; and Cranbrook’s Anadil Dancers.

The anniversary celebration proceeds will be going towards helping find a permanent building for the Arts Council.

“The major challenge, and I mean major challenge, is that we have never ever had a permanent home. Up until recently we have been operating out of donated spaces,” Shelby explained.

“Right now we are renting a space. We needed more permanency because people couldn’t find us every time we had to move and it prevented our ability to carry forward with our programs. Basically, we had to start all over again.”

Shelby emphasized that the goal of the Arts Council is to gain the resources and funds to create an arts centre. But this centre would not just be for the Cranbrook and District Arts Council; it would be a shared facility for all the arts programs happening in Cranbrook.

“One of the things that the board is trying to do right now is to create not a space for the Arts Council, but rather a space for an Arts Centre which would incorporate any of the other arts groups that would like to be a part of this,” Shelby said.

The anniversary is not only a milestone for the CDAC, but it is also sure to be an event packed full of quality entertainment and surprises. Shelby said there are some fabulous door prizes to be won at the event as well.

“I would also like to mention that the community, especially the businesses downtown, have been just absolutely supportive and we really appreciate that,” Shelby said.

Tickets for the 40th anniversary celebration are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for children aged 12 and younger.

They are on sale at the Cranbrook and District Arts Council gallery at 135 10th Avenue South and at Lotus Books on 10th.

Although there will be tickets at the door, attendees are encouraged to get their tickets in advance.

The Cranbrook and District Arts Council is found at 135 10th Avenue South and is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For more information about the council, phone 250-426-4223.