Osoyoos & District Arts Council (the arts council)
Strategic Plan 2025–2029

Date: December 4, 2025

Purpose of the strategic plan: To guide the growth, collaboration, and sustainability of the Osoyoos & District Arts Council over the next three/four years.

The Osoyoos & District Arts Council area of coverage includes Rock Creek, Keremeos and the Osoyoos town and area. Reference in this document to ‘the arts council’ includes the entire geographical area.

Osoyoos & District Arts Council Purpose

To promote and celebrate art and culture in all its forms across the Osoyoos area, fostering collaboration among artists, cultural and artistic groups, and community partners. The arts council serves as the central hub for information sharing, advocacy, and support of arts and cultural activities within the community.

Mission

To be recognized as the support organization for all arts and cultural activities in the communities we serve — connecting people, ideas, and opportunities to strengthen the creative fabric of Osoyoos and district.

Vision

A vibrant and inclusive arts community where creativity and cultural expression are central to the identity and quality of life in Osoyoos and District. The arts council is the recognized hub for artistic and cultural collaboration, promotion, and innovation.

Core Values

  • Collaboration – Partnering with artists, art groups, civic bodies, and cultural groups to achieve shared goals. 
  • Inclusivity – Engaging people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
  • Innovation – Supporting creative thinking and new approaches to arts and cultural promotion.
  • Stewardship – Using resources responsibly and transparently.
  • Celebration – Honoring and promoting the unique cultural heritage and make up of Osoyoos.

Strategic Goals and Priorities (2025–2029)

Goal 1: Strengthen Organizational Capacity

Objectives:

  • Develop a sustainable funding strategy (grants, sponsorships, memberships).
  • Enhance financial transparency and reporting to support grant success.
  • Expand administrative and marketing support through paid or contracted roles.
  • Explore further collaboration and alignment with the art gallery to optimize resources.
  • Review organizational structure and bylaws to eliminate redundancy.
  • Strengthen board governance, orientation, and succession planning.

Indicators of Success:

  • Consistent grant success rate and financial reporting compliance.
  • Stable administrative structure and volunteer base.
  • Day to day operations are not reliant on board member engagement

Goal 2: Deepen Community Awareness, Engagement and Communication

Objectives:

  • Increase member groups in both numbers and variety of arts/cultural groups represented
  • Increase the arts council’s visibility and brand recognition within the community.
  • Implement a marketing and communication strategy including print and digital media.
  • Host or mentor community engagement sessions and public art showcases to strengthen relationships.
  • Build and implement a membership communication plan for regular updates and feedback.

Indicators of Success:

  • Growth in social media and newsletter engagement metrics.
  • Positive community feedback about the arts council’s relevance and impact.

Goal 3: Enhance Collaboration and Partnerships

Objectives:

  • Create an ‘Arts & Culture Network Roundtable’ for local groups to collaborate semi annually.
  • Support enhancement and growth of First Friday events
  • Collaborate with the Town of Osoyoos on arts integration into community planning.
  • Develop partnerships with Destination Osoyoos and tourism operators.

Indicators of Success:

  • Three or more active partnerships per year supporting joint events or promotions.
  • Arts and culture represented in municipal and tourism planning documents.
  • Osoyoos recognized as an ‘arts destination’ , ‘arts’ is one factor of visitor visits

Goal 4: Celebrate and Preserve Local Cultural Heritage and evolving cultural make-up of the community

Objectives:

  • Determine the cultural make-up of the arts council communities
  • Develop a 'Voices of Osoyoos' storytelling or project integrating arts and culture.
  • Collaborate with Indigenous and cultural organizations to celebrate cultural diversity.
  • Support intergenerational and intercultural artistic collaboration.

Indicators of Success:

  • Positive coverage in local and regional media.
  • Enhanced sense of community identity and pride.

Implementation and Monitoring

The Osoyoos & District Arts Council will implement this plan through annual work plans tied to each strategic goal. Progress will be reviewed annually by the board, and adjusted based on outcomes, feedback, and available resources.

A comprehensive marketing and communication strategy will support visibility, recruitment, and community alignment. Continuous collaboration with local partners will ensure sustainability and relevance.

Timeline

  • 2025/26: Strengthen organizational capacity, launch marketing strategy, and host initial community engagement events.
  • 2026/27: Expand partnerships, strengthen administrative structure, continue building credibility and value to community, explore heritage projects.
  • 2027–2029: Consolidate progress, review long-term sustainability, and prepare for the next strategic cycle.