Comox Valley Arts (CV/Arts) is a membership-based arts council that’s been supporting the Valley’s cultural scene since 1967, over 55 years of advocating for artists and making arts accessible to everyone. Their mission is to cultivate a thriving, culturally dynamic Comox Valley through advocacy, partnerships, events, and programming. They’re based at 580 Duncan Avenue in Courtenay (Suite 202) and work to provide access to arts and cultural resources for people of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular focus on low-barrier, free or subsidized programming.

One of their key initiatives is the Digital Creation Hub, a community recording studio where people can access photo and video equipment at minimal or no cost, designed to remove financial barriers to digital art-making. They run several artist support programs including CRIT CLUB (a community support system for artists), the Incubator Microgrant Program for funding emerging creative projects, and Art + Land for environment-focused collaboration. Other programs include The Art Wagon for mobile arts engagement, an Arts Guide and Studio Tour showcasing local artists, and community challenges like the 30 Day Drawing Challenge.

CV/Arts partners with organizations across the Valley, including the airport on arts programming, the Chamber of Commerce for business-arts integration, the Comox Valley Art Gallery, and the City of Courtenay. They maintain a community calendar for event promotion, run the Summer Street Markets, and organize initiatives like Ancestral Echoes focused on Truth and Reconciliation. You can get involved through membership, donations, volunteering, or participating in their programs and events.