About Us
Who We Are
Founded in 1967, The Arts Council of New Westminster is a community arts organization built by artists and arts groups who share an interest in visual, performing, and literary arts. The Arts Council’s role in the community is to advocate for the arts and foster support for those engaging in artistic and cultural endeavours.
Vision:
An active and engaged Arts Council in a creative, diverse city
Mission:
To bring community together through the Arts
The Arts Council meets our mission by fostering, supporting, and promoting arts for all age groups, cultures and Indigenous community members. We do this by:
• Acting as an information and resource centre for artistic and cultural projects
• Advocating for and supporting the arts and artists in our city
• Facilitating arts and cultural events in New Westminster
• Providing advocacy for and representation of the arts at all governmental levels
• Providing opportunities for the community to come together through the enjoyment and experience of the arts and arts events
• Being an arts and culture community partner across a variety of sectors in New Westminster
Core Values
Inspiration and Artistic Excellence:
Providing meaningful experiences in a welcoming environment for visitors, participants and volunteers by offering a variety of high-quality artistic experiences for all ages; and creating opportunities to nurture and support our artists, so they may continue to grow and strive for artistic excellence.
Diversity and Recognition:
Creating a broad range of programs and gallery exhibitions to reflect the diversity of our community; and being inclusive and respectful of all cultures which have influenced both the history of and present-day New Westminster.
Partnerships:
Involving and reaching out to others in formal, informal, new and established projects and working with the City and other like-minded community groups to ensure an arts presence in all celebrations and events.
Partnering with the Indigenous Communities:
Holding and creating space for Indigenous communities so as to provide opportunities to engage in artistic experiences and performances; and creating an awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures within the larger community of New Westminster.
Governance:
Ensuring the use of fair and transparent processes that adhere to principles of accountability, independence, merit, and equity.
Communications and Engagement:
Ensuring active communication and community engagement through our approach to planning, strategic directions and goals and program development, so as to serve and maintain relevancy to members and to the community.
What We Do
The Arts Council structure is shown schematically below:

Strategic Plan
In the Spring of 2021, the Board of Directors created a Strategic Plan to guide the ACNW over the next three years.
Read:
STRIVE. DRIVE. THRIVE.
Click here to see the ACNW – Strategic Plan 2021-2024: Full | Simplified
To view the previous ACNW Strategic Plans
2020 Pandemic Strategic Plan, click here.
2018-2021, click here.
2015-2018, click here.
If you want to make an input to the activities of the Arts Council of New Westminster, become a member today!
The Arts Council of New Westminster is a member of
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