This story is part of a feature that first appeared in print in Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine’s September 2022 issue. Read the entire e-edition here:
Whether it’s performing arts, visual arts, music or commercial arts, Revelstoke’s diverse arts scene is growing in many ways. To get a taste of what’s to come for the Revelstoke arts, we reached out to six arts leaders in the community with one question: What do you envision for the future of the Revelstoke arts scene in the coming years? Here are their thoughts.
Meghan Porath
Executive Director at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, and Freelance Graphic Designer
“This incredible mountain town is world renowned for its big mountain adventure, but my envision for its future is for us to be known just as well for our thriving artistic community. In the coming years, I foresee more permanent art infrastructure throughout our community. I would love to see (and help facilitate) more creative opportunities for kids, teens, adults and families to discover and play in new mediums of art. I see multiple collaborations in our future between artists, communities and organizations. I see an influx of out-of-town artists looking to move here for the opportunities we can provide. I see local artists being seen by a broader audience and an arts community that is picking up momentum, producing unique to Revelstoke art. Revelstoke has such a thriving arts community already that has been developed over time by the dedication of so many artists, community members, volunteers and organizations, and I am beyond honoured to do my part in increasing the visibility and opportunities for our artists in the future.”
Marquie M. Murphy AKA: Moo
President of Stoke FM, Luna Sound Coordinator 2022
“How do we define art? Our visions may differ throughout our own personal experiences. In Revelstoke I see arts expressed through physical activities, shared stories of travel, visual arts in the streets, but most of all the dynamic music scene which brings all flavors of life into one moment. Tasty! I am grateful for my experience through volunteerism with Stoke FM 92.5. I’ve had a unique insight into the art in communication and caring for our community. We are so lucky to be in Revelstoke, which is a town that offers a connection between multifaceted individuals, all of which leave an imprint on locals and transients alike. The future of Art in Revelstoke has so much potential! We have all had a moment to sit with ourselves and family during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I’m thrilled to see what we came up with. We missed routines, programs, emotional outlets, and freedoms from both spectrums of our viewpoints. This shared experience has allowed us to dive deep through introspection, and I’ve heard some extraordinary ideas! My biggest vision for arts in Revelstoke is to swing back into togetherness with our family, neighbours, friends and the city. I envision an expansion in all forms of art through workshops and broadcasting video & radio, so we can share our collective expressions with neighbouring communities. Art in the word means so much to me, but art through self-exploration and leadership development is where I envision Revelstoke headed. There are so many resources in place, it’s astonishing the opportunities that are here…. already…like, right now! All you have to do is to be curious and reach out. But hey, this is just my vision. What’s yours?”
Lisa Moore
Indigenous Education SD 19, Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke and Indigenous Liaison Arts Revelstoke
“We already have world-class, amazing artists who live here and who visit. This will continue to grow and become more diverse through Indigenous cultures being celebrated, difficult realities being addressed, and artists from around the world telling their stories here. I hope all our children will see themselves and their cultures and identities represented in the art scene in Revelstoke and will also learn about wonderful new worlds to explore.”
Layne Seabrook
Original Mountain Beats and Blues organizer, guide to LUNA Sound 2022
“My first memories of Revelstoke are the Portuguese men singing on the street corner. Other than that, music was almost non-existent in 2000, the year I founded the Revelstoke Mountain Beats and Blues Festival. The lack of attendees and volunteers made it a challenge. Working with a small budget of my own, I just went for it. I was lucky to have an amazing group of friends that jumped in to help. After that, it took off and was well attended for its 12-year life span. Music is what made the Woolsey bistro successful back in the day. The very first week I was open, a band came in and asked if they could play for food and gas money. It was the best night, and from then on, I had live music flowing through. Since then, live music has increased exponentially. Businesses see it as an essential part of their marketing, and the City has embraced it. We, the residents, need it. It’s our connection to this community. So to answer the question, “where do I envision for the future of the Revelstoke arts scene?”. I see a large-scale music fest. Something that puts Revelstoke on the map for music and the arts. Showcasing the amazing talent that lives in our community.”
Rob Buchanan
Professional Artist; LUNA/Art Alleries Director
“Revelstoke is poised to become a regional, provincial and – dare dream it – international arts and culture destination. All the ingredients are here: talented, passionate, innovative creators, a welcoming and collaborative vibe among new and established artists, and an enthusiastic audience with a healthy purchasing power. As the arts and culture scene evolves, it has the potential to develop into an entirely new economic sector for Revelstoke, which runs parallel with our outdoor recreation tourism offer. Every year, more creative individuals, working in mediums as diverse as glassblowing, blacksmithing, projection mapping, performance, animation, assemblage, installation and street art, find and make Revelstoke home. It is a wildly exciting time for the arts in Revy!”
Anita Hallewas MA, PhD
Managing Artistic Director, Flying Arrow Productions
“I believe the future for the arts in Revelstoke is only limited by our imaginations. It is my hope the appetite for theatre in Revelstoke continues to grow with the offer of consistent year-round opportunities so community members of all ages can actively participate in and view high-quality and entertaining theatre. A vital aspect of this is that these productions are locally produced. In the past decade, the bulk of the theatre our community has had access to has been brought in from other communities, with locally-accessed funding invested into those productions. Yet, there is an abundance of talent in our vibrant community, and it is vital we place more value on locally-produced performing arts. I also see exciting opportunities for locally-produced professional theatre — perhaps in unique and interesting spaces to celebrate our beautiful town – which would attract more performing artists to Revelstoke either seasonally or as year-round residents. For these goals to be successful, we need continued and increased funding, particularly from tourism and the City of Revelstoke, which would acknowledge the value of locally-produced, high-quality theatre and the value it brings to the Revelstoke community.”