Connect & Create: Power Up Your Art Practice with the Alternator!

Join a vibrant community of artists and art enthusiasts in Kelowna, access exclusive opportunities, and fuel your creative journey.

More Than a Membership: Powering Kelowna's Creative Future.

Have you ever considered the ripple effect of art? It's not just about what happens in the studio; it's about how art enriches our lives, our health, and our community. Research confirms this: people who make or perform art are 11% more likely to report above-average satisfaction with life, and public art gallery visitors are 14% more likely to report very good or excellent health than non-visitors. Art is vital, yet its transformational potential is often undervalued, leading to a lack of crucial support for the very artists who create it.

Here in the BC Interior, artists face unique challenges, with 56% reporting a need for more work opportunities. While Canada boasts over 200,000 professional artists, the median income often falls short, highlighting a need for sustainable support structures. These are not just statistics; they represent the daily realities of talented individuals shaping our cultural landscape.

When you join the Alternator, you do more than just advance your own art – you become a cornerstone of our region's cultural vibrancy.

Your membership directly enables us to build the bridges between artists and the community, fostering a robust ecosystem where creativity can flourish for everyone.

• Connect: You'll become part of a supportive community that champions contemporary art, enabling crucial conversations and collaborations that strengthen our collective artistic voice. Your presence contributes to the vibrant social fabric of our centre, proving that #YouBelongHere.

• Create: Through your involvement, the Alternator can continue to provide crucial development opportunities, affordable workshops, and vital resources. You help ensure that artists at all levels have the tools and inspiration they need to bring their visions to life, directly addressing the sector's identified need for long-term support.

• Power Up: Your support helps the Alternator offer sustainable work and development opportunities, including exhibition spaces that give artists the exposure they need to thrive professionally. By investing in contemporary art, you're investing in the cultural well-being of our entire region, elevating the recognition and appreciation of creative practice for all.

This isn't just about individual growth; it's about shared prosperity and collective impact. 

Join the Alternator today and play an active role in building a more connected, creative, and healthy Kelowna."

Being a member of the Alternator means becoming an integral part of a vibrant artistic ecosystem in Kelowna.

Our membership perks are designed to Connect, Create, and Power Up your artistic journey within a supportive and active community.

Connect

Forge meaningful relationships with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and curators right here in Kelowna. We believe that strong communities empower stronger art, and as a member, you belong here.

• Attend exclusive member events like The Assembly and ArtMart, vibrant opening receptions, and engaging social gatherings where collaborations spark and friendships blossom.

• Find the encouragement and connection you need to thrive within our dedicated community.

• Gain opportunities to become more involved and integrated in Kelowna's arts community.

• Have voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting and the ability to stand for election to the Board of Directors, directly shaping the future of your local artist-run centre.

Create

Fuel your artistic practice with ongoing opportunities and resources, all within a nurturing environment.

• Enjoy discounted rates on a diverse range of workshops, from fundamental skill-building sessions to experimental techniques, designed to support your artistic growth.

• Gain inspiration, share ideas, and access the tools you need to bring your vision to life, knowing you have a dedicated community by your side.

• Potentially access our facilities after-hours (based on a formal application).

Power Up

Take your artistic journey to the next level with the Alternator's dedicated support.

• Benefit from potential exhibition opportunities in our Members’ Gallery, including the chance to develop a solo or group show.

• Show and sell your work in our annual members’ exhibition.

• Receive valuable feedback from peers and professionals through one-on-one access to staff to solicit feedback on exhibition proposals and your art.

• Gain essential exposure within the dynamic Kelowna art scene.

• Our goal is to power up your practice by providing the platforms and encouragement you need to elevate your work and reach new audiences. You're not just a member; you're an integral part of our collective artistic advancement, and you'll have the knowledge that you’re directly supporting your local artist-run centre!

Membership Rates

We offer a variety of membership options to suit different needs and budgets, all designed to give you access to our incredible community and resources.

• Individual Membership ($50): Perfect for a single artist or art enthusiast looking to engage with the Alternator community and take advantage of our diverse offerings.

• Senior / Student Membership ($35): A discounted rate for seniors and students, making our vibrant community and resources more accessible.

• Family Membership ($90): Extend the benefits of Alternator membership to your entire household! This tier is ideal for families who want to explore and engage with art together.

• Organization Membership ($150): Designed for local arts organizations, collectives, or businesses that wish to partner with the Alternator and support the broader Kelowna art scene. This tier offers enhanced collaboration opportunities and visibility.

Alternatively, if financial contribution is a barrier, you can also volunteer with us in lieu of payment! We believe in accessible engagement and welcome your time and passion to support our mission.

Ready to join the Alternator community? Let us know which membership tier interests you, or if you'd like to explore volunteer opportunities!

Volunteering with Alternator allows you to make a contribution to the local arts community, gain practical experience in a professional artist-run centre and network with artists.

Plus, your contribution of 12 or more hours of volunteer work gets you an Alternator membership for a year! This encompasses all the privileges of a full member, including access to the Members’ Gallery.

For more information about volunteering at the Alternator visit Do Some Good.

Keep up to date with openings, opportunities for artists and other events.

Stay Connected

Stay connected and up to date on all events, programming, and opportunities by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Visit our Youtube to see our Alternator Chats, including artist talks and our Professional Development series focused on grant and proposal writing, ways to maintain an art-life balance, selling your artwork, tax tips for artists, and more.

You can contribute to the success of the Alternator in many ways, and financial contributions are just one path to help us achieve our vision. 

Becoming a donor to the Alternator lets our artists know that what they do is important. Not just to them personally, but to our city and beyond. 

Donations can take several forms. Planned monthly or yearly donations help us with cash flow, which allows us to purchase supplies, and manage our facilities. One-time donations provide us with the capital to put on exhibitions and special events for the community.

Donating to the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art:

• helps artists in our region and across Canada develop sustainable careers.
• supports our public programming, showcasing socially-engaged artwork that encourages empathy and understanding in our community.
•  improves the cultural vibrancy of our region, and increases the recognition of art in our community.

Learn more on our Canada Helps page!

The Alternator welcomes practicum inquiries from students and artist/administrators in training. Please contact us 1:1 to discuss your learning goals!