The Greater Vernon Cultural Centre launched its public fund-raising campaign called Together 4 Culture with a kick-off event April 22, 2025 in downtown Vernon. Held on the site where the facility will be built starting this summer, emcee Bob Fleming, Chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, acknowledged the work done to date on the project. He also expressed his anticipation for the new centre and gratitude for the donors who have already stepped forward to support the $5.3 million community fund-raising goal.
Donor Janet Armstrong, who is a local artist and museum volunteer, told the gathering, “Giving to this project is important to me and my husband Lloyd Davies because every community needs a cultural hub, a public space for people to come together to celebrate arts and culture and our shared history.”
Campaign chair, Pat Cochrane said,” Today’s event is special because we’re announcing the campaign has reached 30% of it’s fund-raising goal, and we’re kicking-off the public fund-raising thanks to many people who have worked tirelessly over the years, including most recently in talking to donors, making presentations, planning events and starting this Together4 Culture campaign. We encourage the public to get involved.”
The kick-off event also showcased a new information centre wrapped in vinyl art designs from well-known local artists. The retro recreational trailer has been remodelled and repurposed to be on-site during the summer as a place where the public can learn more about the Cultural Centre and how to get involved. Julie Oakes, who coordinated the Art-i-Fact Trailer along with AJ Jaeger, thanked Darrell Loewen, who donated the trailer, SpeedPro for wrapping the vehicle, and artists David Wilson and Heidi Thompson for permitting their art to be displayed.
The Board Chairs for the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, Adrianna Stange, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery, Sarah Kennedy, spoke about the benefits to the community through exciting new programming opportunities.
Elected officials Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming, Coldstream Mayor Ruth Hoyte, and RDNO Director Amanda Shatzko highlighted the economic, artistic, and community benefits of the new Cultural Centre, which, in addition to housing the Vernon Public Art Gallery and Greater Vernon Museum, and giftshop, offers flexible indoor and outdoor space for presentations, receptions, recitals, and gatherings. It will attract visitors and new exhibits, engage and inspire residents of all ages, and be a place where people can learn about history, arts and culture.
Current and prospective donors attended the special event, along with campaign sponsors, fund-raising committee members, elected officials, board members and friends of the Vernon Public Art Gallery.
Organizers say this is just the beginning as there is more exciting news to come, promising another significant announcement this month from a leading community donor. In addition, other planned activities include a May 24 fund-raising dance with the Okanagan Valley Big Band hosted by the Elks Lodge, with tickets on sale through the Vernon Public Art Gallery.
Anyone who wants to get involved in fundraising, host an event, or make donations is encouraged to go to the together4culture.ca website for information. Donations to the cultural centre are eligible for a charitable receipt through the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan.
The Together 4 Culture logo, designed by Tambellini Design Studio, reflects a modern and historical feel, symbolizing how the past and future are tied together and representing how culture and art weave together, creating a vibrant community.
Many sponsors have contributed to the Together 4 Culture Campaign awareness already and will be recognized on the website.
