Cultural vibrancy in Nelson continues to flourish under the festival’s engagement of street artists, muralists, creators, and art enthusiasts joining the festival from the local, national, and international art scene. Through large scale public artworks, educational opportunities, and by animating the public sphere with reflections of local cultures, histories, and stories, the NDAC furthers and fortifies collaboration amongst artists, businesses, and community members.
NDAC and The Narrows Art Retreat have joined forces againd with the NDAC/The Narrows Artist’s Residency, located at Grohman creek, a short boat ride from the City of Nelson. Our collective goal is to provide artists with a “retreat style” setting in order to work on or develop their Art in the areas of visual art, creative writing including music composition.
ArtWalk has drawn locals and visitors downtown to experience the wonderful work of our visual artists for over 30 years. A truly Nelson family summer activity. Two opening night activities are held at businesses and venues throughout Nelson in June and July. ArtWalk runs until September annually.
NDAC has created an annual Dance Educator’s Showcase that features the finest dancers and dance educators that Nelson has to offer. Each year the featured schools receive a bursary from the profits of the evening that goes toward supporting local dancers. Over three years $12,000 worth of bursaries will have been distributed and more than a hundred dancers supported!
Richard Carver (a former president of NDAC) moved to Nelson from Ottawa where he had worked for The Ottawa Citizen and after that had a distinguished career with the National Library for twenty years. After moving to Nelson in 2001, he found a community where he could explore his own passions of writing and painting while serving as a cultural volunteer and support of many young artists in the community. Carver died suddenly in 2009.
Appetite for Art showcases Nelson artists and local restaurants and wineries. The pairing of art and food allow for a greater appreciation of both methods of creative expression. With pieces of original art on display, and unique local food and wine vendors, the gallery style show is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The event is designed to raise money, through ticket sales, for the Nelson and District Art Council in support of their annual ArtWalk event. All artwork on display was available for purchase.