Kamloops Arts Council

What Kamloops Arts Council does

The Kamloops Arts Council (KAC) is a registered charitable non-profit organization founded in 1968 in Kamloops, British Columbia, devoted to the development and enhancement of arts and culture in the Thompson Nicola Region. Originally named the Community Arts Council of Kamloops and rebranded in 2009, KAC operates a portfolio of nine core programs spanning juried exhibitions, annual festivals, workshops, retail, and outreach — specifically Art Exposed (annual juried show since 2009), Art in the Park (Canada Day festival running 53+ continuous years), Children's Arts Festival (September), SMALL//works (December), Artistic Exchanges workshops (launched 2021 as Business of Art), Crossing Bridges outreach (launched 2013, on hiatus for 2026), The Book Nook (local-author sales), Art in Public Spaces (rotating exhibitions in airport, hospitals, libraries, theatre), and four in-house gallery spaces in the city-owned Old Courthouse Cultural Centre at 7 Seymour Street West. The organization has no proprietary technology; its digital stack comprises a WordPress site (kamloopsarts.ca), the GetCommunal membership platform, and Constant Contact email.

The organization serves a horizontally-segmented mix of stakeholders: 550+ active artist-members ranging from emerging to professional, local authors (Book Nook, 30% commission to KAC on sales), children and families, underserved populations (seniors, persons with disabilities, immigrants, people struggling with addiction), and corporate sponsors/members. It generates revenue from individual and corporate membership fees, application fees for juried exhibitions (with member discounts), commissions on gallery sales (paintings priced $300–$2,980), 30% commissions on Book Nook sales, workshop fees, charitable donations, and grants from partners including the City of Kamloops, BC Arts Council, and Arts BC. Marketing is community-led, distributed across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, the website, a monthly newsletter, flagship annual events, and a Member-of-the-Month blog series. KAC is staffed by a small core team of approximately 9 plus contractors/freelancers and governed by a 7-member volunteer board of directors, with Executive Director Tanya Nielsen leading operations since at least the current reporting period.

Business model mechanics are transaction-based for the retail channels (commission on art and book sales, take-rate on application fees), subscription-recurring for memberships, donation-dependent for outreach, and partnership-funded for cultural programming. GTM is dual-motion: community-led outreach drives membership acquisition year-round, while annual events (Art in the Park, Art Exposed, Children's Arts Festival, SMALL//works) act as anchor acquisition touchpoints. The Geographic containment — single-country/domestic, single-region (Thompson Nicola) — means the addressable market is bounded by community size rather than competitive position.

Name

Kamloops Arts Council

Legal name

Kamloops Arts Council

Website

https://kamloopsarts.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Kamloops Arts Council is a 1968-founded registered charitable non-profit in Kamloops, BC, operating exhibitions, festivals, workshops, retail, and outreach programs across four gallery spaces for local artists, authors, families, and underserved populations in the Thompson Nicola Region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Arts Services

NAICS

Museums (712110), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Art, Arts Councils & Grantmaking Programs (BPAGAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG), Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD), Art Galleries & Exhibition Spaces (Commercial & Nonprofit) (THAJADAH)

Keywords

• Community arts programming
• Arts exhibition services
• Artist professional development
• Public art initiatives
• Arts festival management

Headquarters

HQ city

Kamloops

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Individual and group memberships for artists, as well as corporate membership packages for local businesses
2. Book Nook Commission: 30% commission on sales of books by local authors. Authors sign one-year contracts with up to 25 copies displayed.
3. Gallery Space Rental: Low rental fee for artists to exhibit in KAC galleries; commission on sales. Artists pay rental fee plus commission on sold works.
4. Art Exposed Application Fees: Application fees for the annual Art Exposed exhibition with discounted rates for members
5. Donations: Charitable donations from individuals and sponsors supporting arts programming

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Kamloops Arts Council is a registered charitable non-profit that produces year-round low- and no-cost arts programs, workshops, exhibitions, and festivals for the Kamloops and Thompson Nicola region. It operates four gallery spaces at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre hosting 25+ exhibitions annually, runs flagship events (Art in the Park, Art Exposed, Children's Arts Festival, SMALL//works), delivers professional development workshops (Artistic Exchanges), public art installations (Art in Public Spaces), outreach programs (Crossing Bridges), and retail services for local authors and artists (Book Nook, online shop).

Product overview

The Kamloops Arts Council operates a portfolio of arts programs and services centered around community arts development in Kamloops, BC. The core offerings include major annual exhibitions (Art Exposed, SMALL//works), workshops and professional development (Artistic Exchanges), public art displays (Art in Public Spaces), festivals (Art in the Park, Children's Arts Festival), outreach programming (Crossing Bridges), gallery exhibition services, and retail operations (The Book Nook, Shop). The organization functions as a platform connecting local artists with exhibition opportunities, professional development, and community engagement across visual arts, performing arts, literature, and cultural programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Art Exposed Annual juried art exhibition held during the first week of March, featuring artists of all ages, skill levels, and mediums from across the Kamloops region. Open to artists ages 4-104, it offers community artists an opportunity to display work professionally and receive juror feedback. Members receive discounted application fees and reduced commission rates on sales.
• Artistic Exchanges Program of workshops and classes connecting local artists with KAC, offering opportunities to learn skills in various mediums, presentation techniques, and professional development. Originally launched as Business of Art, offering short-term workshops on painting, mixed media, drawing, framing, and photography, with variable costs depending on subject, length, materials, instructor, and membership status.
• Art in Public Spaces (AIPS) Rotating exhibitions by local artists displayed in high-traffic public venues across Kamloops including the Kamloops YKA Airport Terminal, Sagebrush Theatre, TNRD Libraries, Royal Inland Hospital, and North Shore Urgent & Primary Care Center. Provides artists with broader public visibility and community access to local art.
• Art in the Park Free, family-friendly festival held outdoors annually on July 1st as part of Canada Day Celebrations, featuring approximately 100 artist booths, live stage performances, art demos, and community activities. KAC's oldest continuous event with over 53 years of operation.
• Children's Arts Festival (CAF) Annual vibrant, hands-on celebration of creativity held on the third weekend in September at Riverside Park, providing interactive arts experiences for children and families free of charge.
• Crossing Bridges Outreach program providing professionally guided art-making workshops at social service agencies within Kamloops. Serves senior citizens, children/youth, people with disabilities, immigrants, and those struggling with addiction through various mediums including painting, drawing, collage, woodworking, and fibre art. Currently on hiatus for 2026 pending funding review.
• Gallery Space Rental Service Four rotating gallery spaces (Main, Hallway, Alcove, and Vault Galleries) at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre hosting over 25 exhibitions annually. Artists pay a low rental fee plus commission on sold works to exhibit professionally, providing community artists and groups exhibition opportunities.
• SMALL//works Annual exhibition of original, small-scale artworks by regional artists held for three weeks in December. Features affordable, one-of-a-kind original artworks with proceeds supporting art programming and local artists.
• The Book Nook Showcase and sales service for books by local Kamloops authors, displaying up to 25 copies per title in their physical space with promotional support through e-newsletter and social media, and opportunities for readings or signings. Requires a one-year contract with 30% commission to KAC. Children's books range $7.50-$23.95; other books $10-$29.95.
• Shop (Online Store) Online shop selling artworks from local artists, books from the Book Nook, and items featured in Art in Public Spaces. Includes Hallway Gallery artworks (paintings $300-$2,980), Art in Public Spaces pieces, and local literary works.
• Memberships Annual membership packages for individual artists, art groups, and local businesses. Provides member discounts on application fees and reduced commission rates on sales, plus access to exhibition opportunities, professional development, and networking benefits.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25+ exhibitions annually across 4 gallery spaces
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Indigenous Resurgence ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Collaboration on cultural programming including Kamloops Artists Gathering: Navigating the Digital Age (January 2023). Also partnered for North Shore Urgent & Primary Care Center AIPS location.
• City of KamloopscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Provides venue (Old Courthouse Cultural Centre) and supports events like Art in the Park and Artistic Exchanges workshops. KAC rents gallery space from the City.
• Arts BCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Provincial arts organization collaboration on Kamloops Artists Gathering events and professional development.
• BC Arts CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Provincial arts funding and support partnership for regional arts programming.
• First People's Cultural CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Collaboration on Indigenous arts programming and Kamloops Artists Gathering event.
• Thompson Rivers University (TRU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Academic partnership for The Natural Business of Art program (2022) with TRU instructors. Many staff and board members have TRU connections.
• Kamloops Film SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Local arts organization collaboration within Artistic Exchanges programming.
• Kamloops Players SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Local performing arts organization collaboration.
• Kamloops Music CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Local music organization collaboration.
• Kamloops Art PartyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Local arts organization collaboration.
• Marta's TowerminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Local organization collaboration on Artistic Exchanges events.
• Kamloops Immigrant ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Support for immigrant artists and community integration through arts.
• Kamloops Art GalleryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Host venue for Crossing Bridges programming at Royal Inland Hospital location.
• Courthouse Gallery CooperativecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Co-located arts organization sharing the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre building.
• Theatre BCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Co-located organization (Mainstage) sharing the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre.
• Royal Inland HospitalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Healthcare facility hosting Art in Public Spaces gallery exhibitions.
• Kamloops YKA AirportcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Airport terminal hosts rotating Art in Public Spaces exhibitions.
• Sagebrush TheatrecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Theatre lobby hosts Art in Public Spaces gallery exhibitions.
• North Shore Urgent & Primary Care CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Healthcare facility hosting Art in Public Spaces exhibitions in collaboration with Indigenous Resurgence Project.
• Day One SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Host location for Crossing Bridges outreach art workshops.
• STLRcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Host location for Crossing Bridges outreach art workshops.
• CMHA ClubhousecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Host location for Crossing Bridges outreach art workshops.
• TNRD LibrariescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013Downtown and Northshore library locations host Art in Public Spaces gallery exhibitions.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Prince George Community Arts Council: Northern BC community arts council operating exhibition space and member-based arts programming — directly comparable regional peer with similar nonprofit/community-arts-council profile.
• Burnaby Arts Council: BC Lower Mainton arts council operating community galleries and exhibitions, public art programs, and artist services — structurally comparable as a same-province community arts council with municipal funding ties.
• Community Arts Council of Vancouver: Vancouver-based community arts council offering gallery programming, exhibitions, workshops, and advocacy for local artists — directly comparable to KAC as a municipal arts council serving member artists with multi-program portfolios.
• Art Gallery of Greater Victoria: BC public art gallery hosting rotating exhibitions, artist development, and community programming — directly comparable on the gallery-operations side with regional exhibitions and education programming.
• Greater Victoria Arts Council: BC community arts council providing gallery space, exhibitions, and member artist services in the Victoria region — directly analogous to KAC's regional arts-council model and gallery-exhibition mix.
• Nanaimo Community Arts Council: Community arts council on Vancouver Island delivering exhibitions, workshops, and public arts programming — closely comparable as a BC-based community arts council with membership and gallery revenue model.
• Surrey Arts Council: BC municipal arts council providing gallery programming, public art, and artist development — analogous to KAC's community-arts-council structure serving a mid-sized Canadian city.

Broad incumbents

• National Arts Centre: Canada's national performing and visual arts presenter with extensive programming, education, and outreach — analogous operating model in mission (community/arts development) at much greater scale.
• Federation of Canadian Artists: National association for Canadian visual artists operating gallery and exhibition programming with membership tiers — broader incumbent offering overlapping gallery/member services to a similar artist persona.
• Arts BC: Provincial arts-service organization supporting community arts councils across BC; KAC is a direct partner of Arts BC and Arts BC operates as a broader industry-level comparable supporting the same membership demographic.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KamArtsCouncil
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCWj3ZWCQrIym138qew8bmSQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/KamloopsArts
• Instagraminstagram.com/kamartscouncil
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kamloops-arts-council

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kamloops Arts Council