Salt Spring Arts (SSA) is a charitable society serving Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Canada since 1968. Our activities enhance connection, inclusion, participation, celebration and economic vibrancy in our community. We deliver a broad range of programs and initiatives with the aim of promoting participation in, and access, to the arts. Our work includes adv
ocacy and collaborations to support community cultural development. For more than 50 years our initiatives have served emerging and professional artists, our broad community, young people and visitors. Our Vision:
A vibrant creative community on Salt Spring Island. Our Mission:
To build and nurture the creative capacity of our community. Our Values:
Curiosity — We spark creativity and human expression
Imagination — We believe arts and culture can expand experience and perspectives to transform individuals and communities
Connection — We create opportunities to inspire a healthy community and sense of belonging
Respect — We honour the spirit, stories, peoples, past and future of this place
History:
Established as the Gulf Islands Community Arts Council (GICAC) in 1968 and registered as a Society under the BC Society’s Act in 1970, the name Salt Spring Arts Council was adopted in 2006 when the other southern gulf islands were regrouped under the Tricomali Community Arts Council. While Salt Spring Island (SSI) has long been the home to many artists (visual, literary and performing) and artisans, the artistic community and its resources have evolved over time. So too has the understanding of the community about the importance of the arts to the social, cultural and economic health of the island.
