Columbia Basin arts and culture projects are receiving more than $542,000 in funding for 2026/27, supporting 123 projects that connect residents with the region, its history, people and culture.
The funding is provided by Columbia Basin Trust and distributed through the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), a project of the Kootenay Regional Arts Council.
123 projects supported across the Columbia Basin
Funding is available to both individual artists and arts and culture organizations throughout the Basin.
Eligible disciplines include visual art, theatre, music, dance, media, literary and inter-arts projects, along with cultural initiatives such as traditional cultural practices and language preservation.
Separate CKCA funding streams support individual and group projects, master classes, touring initiatives and major exhibitions.
The overall goal is to support arts and culture projects that enrich communities and strengthen connections to the region.
Golden artist explores Edelweiss Village
Among the funded projects is work by Golden-based artist Sarah Jane Osadetz, who is creating a series of mixed-media paintings focused on Golden’s historic Edelweiss Village.
The village was home to Swiss mountain guides whose work helped establish mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies.
Osadetz’s project will culminate in an exhibition and artist talk.
“My show will depict and honour the Edelweiss Swiss Village, the Swiss guides’ legacy, their heritage homestead and their portfolio of first ascents that defined their individual careers,” says Osadetz.
“The paintings will bring attention to a protected cultural landmark, strengthening cultural awareness, contributing to regional storytelling, and offering accessible ways for the community to connect with the landscape and its adventure heritage.”
View the funded projects
The full list of approved 2026/27 projects is available through the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance.
Learn more about CKCA funding opportunities at kootenayartscouncil.com/ckca-funding.
