The Arts Scene That Defines a Mountain Town
Arts Revelstoke is a non-profit that has shaped Revelstoke's local cultural landscape for the last six decades. It provides opportunities for artists, creates engaging events for residents and visitors, and ensures that the arts remain a central part of life in the community.
Arts Revelstoke runs festivals, public art projects, live performances, and educational programs. Its work includes free outdoor concerts, large-scale light installations, and a performing arts series that brings diverse talent to the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre. The organization builds on Revelstoke's history while continuously pushing creative boundaries.
A History of Arts and Culture Development
The organization was incorporated first as the Revelstoke Arts Council in 1997, but its roots go back much further. The local arts scene was developing long before that, with community-led performances, visual art projects, and grassroots music events. The official incorporation provided structure and funding opportunities that helped expand the programming.
A significant step forward came in 2012 with the opening of the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre. The 275-seat venue allowed for larger productions and higher-quality performances, giving both local and touring artists a professional space to showcase their work. The centre has hosted performances from Ballet Kelowna, the Kamloops Symphony, and renowned poet Shane Koyczan. Beyond Arts Revelstoke's programming, RPAC is used for community events, film screenings, and school productions, making it an important cultural hub. In 2015, the organization rebranded itself as Arts Revelstoke to reflect its expanded vision and reach better.
Live Events That Bring People Together
Performance Series
The Performance Series is a professionally curated lineup of theatre, live music, comedy, film screenings, and guest speakers. The Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre hosts the series, bringing touring artists across Canada and beyond. It includes a mix of genres, such as classical music, Indigenous storytelling, and contemporary theatre.
REVY.Live Outside
Every summer, Arts Revelstoke produces an outdoor concert series called REVY.Live Outside. The event runs every evening from July to August in Grizzly Plaza, a central gathering space in downtown Revelstoke. Artists from across Canada and internationally perform for free, and the event draws both locals and visitors. The lineup is diverse, covering folk, blues, rock, jazz, and electronic music genres. The event is a summer staple, turning the plaza into an open-air music venue for two months each year.
REVY.Tracks
In partnership with the Revelstoke Railway Museum, Arts Revelstoke runs REVY.Tracks, a concert series that brings live music into an unconventional space. The performance stage is against historic rail artifacts, blending music and heritage in a way that's unique to the city. The venue creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, and the programming includes a mix of emerging and established artists.
Large-Scale Public Art Installations
LUNA Fest
LUNA Fest started in 2017 as a nighttime art festival featuring interactive installations, live performances, and digital projections. The event transforms downtown Revelstoke into a temporary gallery, where alleyways, rooftops, and public spaces become exhibition spaces. The festival runs for a single night, but its impact extends beyond that, introducing audiences to new forms of artistic expression and giving artists a platform for large-scale experimental work.
Art Alleries
The Art Alleries project turns downtown alleyway walls into large-scale outdoor art installations. The goal is to make art part of everyday life by incorporating it into the city's public spaces. Spaces throughout downtown Revelstoke feature murals and installations commissioned by Arts Revelstoke from local and national artists, enhancing the urban environment with colour and creativity in areas that might otherwise be overlooked.
Arts Revelstoke's Role in Education and Community Support
Arts Revelstoke supports emerging artists through funding and mentorship. The organization administers arts grants, scholarships, and residencies that help local creatives develop their work. One of its key initiatives is a $1,000 scholarship for high school graduates pursuing post-secondary studies in fine arts, theatre, or production. The organization also helps artists connect with larger funding bodies such as the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance.
Arts Revelstoke secures funding through multiple sources, including government grants, corporate sponsorships, and community donations. The Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) and Columbia Basin Trust have supported various programs financially. Additionally, the City of Revelstoke has contributed funding to enhance live music events, ensuring continued access to the arts for the community.
Community involvement is key to Arts Revelstoke's success. Volunteers contribute by assisting with event setup, ushering at performances, and supporting large-scale festivals such as LUNA Fest and REVY.Live Outside. This hands-on engagement allows residents to shape Revelstoke's arts scene actively and fosters stronger community connections.
Leadership and Direction
The organization is led by Executive Director Robyn Goldsmith, who has a background in arts administration, community engagement, and visual arts. Goldsmith has served on multiple local boards, including the Revelstoke Cycling Association and the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. Her leadership focuses on expanding Arts Revelstoke's reach while maintaining its commitment to local artists and community engagement.
A team of staff and a volunteer board of directors support the organization's mission. Their work ensures that Revelstoke remains an arts destination where creativity is valued as much as outdoor recreation.
The Future of Arts Revelstoke
Arts Revelstoke has built a strong foundation of events, performances, and public art projects. The next step is expanding access to the arts even further. Future goals include growing existing festivals, securing more funding for local artists, and continuing to integrate art into public spaces.
The organization has also demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate. In response to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Arts Revelstoke launched Guerrilla Gigs, an outdoor micro-concert series designed to bring live music to small, intimate audiences in open spaces. This initiative provided a way to continue live performances while adhering to safety regulations. Looking ahead, the organization aims to build on this flexibility by developing new events and opportunities for both artists and audiences.
The demand for creative experiences continues to grow, and Arts Revelstoke is set to meet that demand. The organization's work goes beyond entertainment—it strengthens the community, supports artists, and makes art an everyday experience for residents and visitors alike.
How You Can Get Involved
Arts Revelstoke thrives on community participation. Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, or support local artists, there are many ways to contribute. The organization welcomes new volunteers to assist with events like LUNA Fest and REVY.Live Outside, and the Performance Series. Donations help sustain programs and expand opportunities for emerging artists.
For those who want to stay engaged, following Arts Revelstoke on social media or subscribing to their newsletter is an easy way to keep up with upcoming events and initiatives. By getting involved, you support the growth of arts and culture in Revelstoke, ensuring that creative experiences continue to be accessible to all.
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