Our Story
The Community Arts Council of Richmond [CACR] is a federally and provincially registered non-profit charity. Our purpose is to provide opportunities for citizens of all ages to participate in and benefit from the creative arts. We sponsor exhibitions, performances, classes, workshops, and special programs, and constantly search for new ways in which to assist in the development of art and culture.
Our long history has given us a rich experience in a wide variety of the arts. Prior to 1970 a group of like-minded people decided they needed to support and sustain the arts community in Richmond and encourage its growth, and so the CACR was born. Over the years, there have been some changes in direction and focus but the original mandate has always been the guiding light.
Each year the CACR produces quality exhibitions and programs. The members of the Board meet monthly to plan events, keep up to date with activities in the arts and culture sector, and discuss ways to attract more people to CACR projects, collaborate with other arts organizations, and increase membership.
We speak for, are invested in, contribute to and support the arts because we believe they enrich people’s lives and provide a way to build bridges between people of various backgrounds and cultures.
In past years the CACR has achieved the following
- Raised major funds toward capital building projects such as the Gateway Theatre and the Richmond Cultural Centre
- Contributed significantly to all art disciplines in the form of grants and scholarships
- Organized and hosted numerous classes and workshops throughout the city
Provided gallery space for artist members to exhibit and sell their work at a nominal cost - Produced countless exhibitions and shows
We're Currently Working On The Following
- We continue to produce exhibitions and performances, sometimes partnering with other arts and culture organizations. On other occasions we, through our group expertise and experience, act in an advisory capacity
- We have supported and continue to support programs that provide youth of various socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to explore the arts through classes in visual arts, music and dance
The CACR Board is a working board, actively involved in all the organization’s projects. Together with the members of the CACR they strive to make a positive impact on the arts in Richmond, enriching the lives of many.
IN MEMORIAM
The Community Arts Council of Richmond and the work that we do might never have been possible without the dedication and hard work of Margaret Stephens (1944 – 2019). Margaret always believed in giving back to her community in all aspects of her life. In addition to her business and her work with the Mission Raceway for the Women’s Auxiliary and Variety, the Children’s Charity, Margaret was the Treasurer and Primary Administrator for the CACR for over twelve years. Her passion for the Arts and her desire to see this long established charity continue to provide valuable artistic opportunities to Richmond residents made her its fierce advocate. She played a crucial role in working with The Arts Council’s community partner, The Arts Connection and its owner, Linda Shirley, to develop and sustain their “Reach to Teach… Immersed in the Arts” inner-city youth program and also did the majority of organizing for the CACR’s first seven Midsummer Arts Dream shows.
The CACR valued Margaret’s long time devotion, support, and friendship over the years. Prior to her passing, The Community Arts Council informed Margaret that we would be establishing a memorial fund in her honour to further support local students and artists, which she was always so passionate about. Margaret is remembered and greatly missed by her friends, family, and colleagues.