Courtenay Annual Report 2025 draft

Comox Valley Art Gallery

Strengthening cultural services through Comox Valley Arts partnership

The City of Courtenay strengthened its partnership with Comox Valley Arts (CVA) Community Art Council in 2025 through a two-year License to Occupy agreement for administration offices and the Digital Creative Hub. The City also continued fee-for-service funding to support community cultural programming. For more than 55 years, CVA has played a central role in fostering arts and culture across the Comox Valley. Through programs, exhibitions and community initiatives, the organization provides residents with opportunities to engage with local artists and creative experiences. Key programs included the 30 Day Drawing Challenge, studio tours and programming at the Digital Creative Hub, which supported the creation of new works and professional development for local artists.

Comox Valley Arts 30 Day Drawing Challenge participation

10,000

37

Studio Tour participants

546 283

Volunteer hours

Work produced at the Digital Creative Hub

40

Courtenay visual artists exhibited Artist professional development school attendees

210

Comox Valley Art Gallery advances equity, reconciliation and community arts

The Comox Valley Art Gallery (CVAG) continued to play a leading role in Courtenay’s downtown cultural hub in 2025, aligning closely with the City’s Strategic Cultural Plan. Exhibitions such as George Littlechild: Hope for a Better World , presented with North Island College, advanced Truth and Reconciliation while drawing regional and national attention. CVAG also showcased emerging artists from the Wachay Artist Residency and presented exhibitions that challenged perceptions of disability and visibility in the arts. Film series, youth media initiatives and inclusive community programs such as Make Art and Pulse on the Plaza created accessible opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in arts and culture.

Comox Valley Art Gallery Total visits School tour participants Community make-art workshop participants Youth Media Project new films

25,500

2,450

2,400

28

1,100

Volunteer hours

Regional artists featured in the Gallery shop

28

72 | City of Courtenay