Announcing the 2024 Arts & Culture Grants

Arts & Culture Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Credit: Pacific Rim Arts Society 

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Arts and Culture grants. This year, eleven inspiring projects in our region have been awarded a total of $30,000 in funding. These grants focus on supporting arts and cultural activities that encourage inter-generational participation. They aim to promote cross-community and cross-cultural engagement, facilitate learning and teaching opportunities, and strengthen arts capacity through workshops, collaborations, and education. Additionally, these grants prioritize equity-seeking initiatives that address barriers to equal access and participation in the arts, focusing on BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. 

We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, comprised of dedicated local volunteers, for their time and efforts to review each application.  

To learn more about the project, or connect with the project leaders, email jason@clayoquotbiosphere.org.  

2024 Arts and Culture Grant Projects 

Cultivating Connection: Redd Fish Eco-Art Series - Redd Fish Restoration Society​ 

By inviting experts, this series will provide hands-on experiences with sustainable art practices, using natural and local materials. The goal of this series is to emphasize the holistic nature of habitat restoration and ignite positive social action. Redd Fish wants to bridge the gap between art/creation and individual stewardship responsibilities. Workshops will run monthly from March to October, ensuring consistent engagement across different seasons. 

Maaqtusiis Culture - Maaqtusiis School​ 

This project will use funding for materials and supplies to teach ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) students traditional skills like cedar bark processing and regalia making. Older students will harvest cedar and learn processing techniques, while younger students will create their own regalia with assistance. The program culminates in a school feast where students will perform traditional songs and distribute homemade gifts. Intergenerational volunteers will support hands-on and oral learning, with invitations extended to neighboring schools for cultural sharing.

New Horizons, Ancient Roots: Carving on the Edge Festival Reimagined - Carving on the Edge Festival Society​ 

The Carving on the Edge Festival, themed 'New Horizons, Ancient Roots', blends the region's rich artistic heritage with contemporary expressions. Guided by a new arts advisory committee inclusive of Indigenous and diverse artists, supported by the BC Arts Council, the festival aims to decolonize its curatorial process. Moving to March for broader participation, it will offer workshops, presentations, and exhibits designed to inspire dialogue and foster artistic growth.  

Queer Art Collective - Coastal Queer Alliance​

The Queer Art Collective will host eight monthly workshops from August 2024 to May 2025 in Tofino and Ucluelet. These sessions, led by local queer artists, will blend discussions on topics like queer joy and Indigenous queer identities with hands-on art activities. Aimed at fostering connections and addressing community priorities, the workshops provide vital spaces for queer engagement in the region, supported by volunteers and aimed at enhancing inclusivity and support within the community. 

Ramp for the Clubhouse - Army Navy Air Force Unit 293 Ucluelet (ANAF)

The main entrance to ANAF Unit 293 needs a new ramp to replace the weather-damaged, outdated one. The new ramp will ensure better accessibility for everyone, supporting the wide range of activities at their clubhouse, including art gatherings, bingo, poker fundraisers, live music, and a chess club. A local band of tradesmen has volunteered to build the ramp, and the Pacific Rim Rotary branch will provide additional support. They plan to construct the ramp off-site to minimize disruption and complete the project quickly. 

'Salvaged' - A Collaborative Community Marine Debris Art Event – Pacific Rim Arts Society (PRAS)

Salvaged’ is a multi-faceted collaborative art event involving 8 artists, local businesses, volunteers, and non-profit organizations. Each artist was tasked with creating a unique art assemblage using locally salvaged marine debris. The artworks were unveiled at a PRAS-led Ocean Day event in Ucluelet on June 8, 2024. After the Ocean Day launch, the individual artworks were paired with a local business or organization to be exhibited until Fall 2024. The art works will then be auctioned off, with the funds being distributed to the artists and Ucluelet Plastic Depot/Ocean Legacy Foundation. The project aims to raise awareness about marine pollution through engaging art. 

ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Culture Group at Clayoquot Salmon Festival – Friends of Clayoquot Sound  

The Clayoquot Salmon Festival is developed annually to offer residents and visitors an opportunity to reflect upon and build an active appreciation for the irreplaceable value of salmon in Clayoquot Sound. This project will support the participation of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Cultural Group as they share knowledge, expertise, and performances related to salmon and the salmon ecosystem during the 10th Annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival. 

Tofino Jazz Festival 2024: Village Green Concerts​ - Tofino Community Enrichment Society​ 

The Tofino Jazz Fest is a vibrant 5-day celebration of jazz and World music, with a special focus on its free Village Green concerts. The Village Green concerts on June 28th and 29th, 2024, showcased over eight performances by local and BC artists, fostering a multigenerational and multicultural atmosphere. Free admission ensures accessibility for all, including those with disabilities, making the festival a unique and inclusive cultural experience in the region. 

Tofino Market Workshop Series – Tofino Public Market Society 

The Tofino Market Workshop Series aims to offer inclusive cultural, artistic, and educational experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or religion. Hosted by the Tofino Public Market Society, these free workshops are taking place at the Gazebo on the Village Green during Tofino Market Saturdays. The series features ten engaging workshops, catering to both locals and tourists alike.  

Ucluelet Harbour History Guided Tours - Ucluelet and Area Historical Society​ 

This project features guided boat tours of the Ucluelet Harbour, highlighting the histories of nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations, white settlers, and Japanese Canadians. Collaborating with the Ucluelet & Area Historical Society and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation), the tours aim to educate participants about local history from diverse perspectives. Supported by local endorsements and ongoing research efforts, the project seeks to engage the community and expand its historical narrative outreach. 

Venues Seeking Artists Pilot Program - Tofino Arts Council Society​ 

The Venues Seeking Artists Pilot Program aims to connect Tofino's local businesses with artists to expand exhibition opportunities in the region. Led by the Tofino Arts Council, the program addresses the scarcity of exhibition spaces by conducting a comprehensive audit of potential venues, formal and informal, accessible via their website. This initiative not only supports local artists but also lays the groundwork for broader cultural asset mapping and analysis in the community. By cataloging cultural assets like artists, artisans, and historic sites, they aim to align future development efforts with the community's unique strengths and opportunities. 

Fostering Collaboration: BC's UNESCO Biospheres Gather in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

October 9, 2024
In early October, the three BC-based UNESCO Biosphere Regions gathered for knowledge sharing within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. Each Biosphere Regions works together on shared priorities including biodiversity conservation and climate action. By leveraging our unique strengths and priorities, we are able to collaborate and support each other’s efforts.  

Collaboration and Conservation: Highlights from Our Gathering at the Waterton Biosphere Region

October 9, 2024
Earlier this month, Janessa (Conservation Partnerships Coordinator) and Rebecca (Executive Director), joined colleagues from across Canada’s 19 UNESCO Biosphere Regions for a knowledge-sharing event within the Waterton Biosphere Region. This gathering was made possible thanks to support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association. 

Koyah's Journey: From receiving CBT's Education Award to Studying Science at UBC

October 1, 2024
Koyah Morgan-Banke a Toquaht student who received CBT's Central Region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Education Award in 2023 and is currently studying Sciences at the University of British Columbia to pursue a career in medicine. She has recently gotten in touch to share an update on her academic journey as well as her personal growth since receiving the award. 

Insights from our 2024 Intern: A Summer with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

September 25, 2024
This summer, we had the privilege of welcoming Zahur as CBT's 2024 summer intern, where they played a key role in supporting a variety of initiatives across the organization. Zahur brought fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic, making a meaningful impact on numerous projects. We’re incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication! To learn more about Zahur's experience, read their blog post below.

New Signage: Welcoming You to the Haḥuułi of the Five Central Nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations

September 9, 2024
If you’ve driven from Port Alberni to the coast recently, you may have noticed a new sign 2km before you arrive at “the junction.” The sign welcomes you to the ḥaḥuułi of the five central region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations — hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) — where the biosphere region is designated. 

Announcing the 2024 Vital Grants

September 5, 2024
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Vital Grants. This year, the CBT awarded $80,000 in funding to three inspiring projects in the region. These grants focus on addressing regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. They also aim to support meaningful, longer-term collaboration between organizations, communities, and cultures.

Announcing the Community Prosperity Fund Recipients

September 3, 2024
We are pleased to announce that $125,000 in funding was distributed to support three projects in the region through the Government of British Columbia’s Community Prosperity Fund. The Community Prosperity Fund is a $25 million investment from the Government of B.C. that advances poverty reduction and social inclusion. This fund is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to supporting the non-profit sector and empowering local communities to make decisions about what would most benefit them and their communities.

Announcing the 2024 Biosphere Research Award

August 29, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Biosphere Research Award. This year, the CBT awarded $20,000 in funding to Ha’oom Fisheries Society for their Coho Vitality Project.

Join our Team!

August 27, 2024
*This position has been filled!  The construction of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre creates an opportunity to exemplify the richness of the region’s cultures in a physical space, providing opportunities for all local artists to preserve culture and traditional knowledge, while creating accessible economic opportunities through art. The Art Program Coordinator engages community members and partners with the goal to plan, gather, and supervise the creation and installation of art in the future building in scale with available funding.

Newsletter Feature: World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions

August 26, 2024
We’re honored to have been featured in the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions newsletter! This spotlight highlights the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Center and the ongoing efforts in the region to reduce plastic pollution, alongside our collaborative stewardship initiatives. Read more!

Announcing the 2024 Youth & Education Grants

August 9, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Youth and Education grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $52,000 in funding to eleven inspiring projects in the region. These grants aim to address urgent needs for youth, as highlighted in CBT's 2023 Vital Signs report. They focus on building capacity, providing education and training opportunities, and fostering connections among youth across communities in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Additionally, the grants support youth-driven projects and promote education and discussion around multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.

Join our Team!

July 24, 2024
*This position has been filled!  We’re looking for an Executive and Finance Assistant to support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, hosting events, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Executive and Finance Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events. Apply now!

Announcing the 2024 Community Development Grants

July 23, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Development grants. This year, five outstanding projects in our region have been awarded a total of $24,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities, helping to build a stronger and more united region.

Announcing the 2024 Research & Environment Grants

July 17, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Research and Environment grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $36,000 in funding to six inspiring projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.

Welcoming our 2024 Summer Intern

July 15, 2024
We're excited to welcome Zahur Ashrafuzzaman (she/he/they), our new summer intern who is already making valuable contributions to a variety of projects across the organization!

Our Team's Experience at EuroMAB 2024

June 11, 2024
In early June 2024, two members of the CBT team, Colin Robinson and Janessa Dornstauder had the opportunity to attend EuroMAB 2024 in the Elbe River Landscape, Germany – a UNESCO Biosphere. Because there are so few countries in North America, Canada, and the USA participate in the European network, while Mexico participates in the Latin network. Read more about their experience!