Editor:
The Community Arts Council of Williams Lake, created in 1969, is an umbrella organization comprised of an executive, financial and performing arts committees, and 10-member group representatives and members at large, both individual and families.
The CACWL has deep roots in the Cariboo Chilcotin. For history buffs, the original directors in 1969 were Martha Simon, Gwendolyn Ringwood, Anne Hornby, Clive Stangoe, Edith Barker, Anna Roberts, Roland Smith and William O’Donovan.
In 2010, the old firehall was renovated into the new Central Cariboo Arts Centre, which presently is home for the spinners, artists and potters, and where the CACWL holds its monthly meetings.
Through discussions with the City and Cariboo Regional District and the development of the arts and culture function, a permanent home for arts and culture became a reality: a significant step for arts and culture in our community.
The CACWL provides administrative efficiency to the 10-member groups in the form of group insurance, charitable status, Registered B.C. Society status (group), a B.C. Arts Council group funding application and the longevity and traditional presence in the Cariboo Chilcotin
The CACWL needs volunteers to step forward to become part of the executive board for 2011-2012. Presently the CACWL executive is made up of Susan O’Sullivan, president; Dot Unhrau, vice-president; Harry Jennings, treasurer; and Bev Pemberton, secretary. The next annual general meeting occurs in October. Recently we have received tentative interest from several members to serve on the executive; however, a complement of executive is needed to successfully run the executive board.
The possibility of the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake folding is a genuine reality without an active executive. Despite the significant administrative difficulties that occurred for the CACWL in 2009, the CACWL has fully recovered and is now a financially and administratively stable organization.
I encourage volunteers to come forward and be a part of a long-standing Community Arts Council with deep roots in this community.
Please call me at 250-305-2324 or send an e-mail to cacwl@yahoo.com if you are interested in volunteering for the CACWL executive.
Susan O’Sullivan, president,
Community Arts Council of Williams Lake