Arts & Culture in Whistler
While Whistler is known around the world as North America's premier resort destination for year-round outdoor adventure, it is also home to a vibrant and diverse arts & culture scene.
In January 2008, Whistler was honoured with the designation of "Cultural Capital of Canada" for 2009. The designation is awarded to communities that demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to arts & culture.
Highlights of Whistler's cultural commitment include:
Whistler Arts Council
For more than 25 years, the Whistler Arts Council (WAC) has served as the resort's arts & culture "umbrella organization". WAC's mandate is to coordinate, stimulate and promote the growth of performing, literary and visual arts in the Whistler area through ongoing music, dance, theatre, festivals and other events for locals and visitors.
WAC Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake schedule
Download Schedule(60kb PDF)
Whistler Film Festival Society
The Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS) is a not-for-profit organization that operates the annual Whistler Film Festival and its various offshoot programs, as well as provides support and education for local filmmakers and film enthusiasts.
Annual Festivals
A strong arts & culture community means there's always something exciting happening in the resort. From celebrations and festivals to special parties and international events, Whistler offers a unique and entertaining mountain culture, year-round.
Art Galleries
Over the years, the Whistler area and its inspiring mountain vistas have attracted many artists and art-lovers to the resort. With several art galleries located around Whistler Village, you'll easily find the finest in all artistic mediums, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, prints and First Nations pieces.
Celebration 2010 / Cultural Olympiad
Whistler Celebration 2010 is an annual month-long showcase of the performing arts, literary events, film screenings, snow sculpting, art exhibitions, outdoor stage and street performances in support of the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games. In 2008, the event was co-presented by Vancouver 2010's Cultural Olympiad; a multi-year celebration and series of arts & culture festivals leading up to the Games.
Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre
Set to open in summer 2008, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre will showcase and celebrate the joint history of the local Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations, past and present, by offering a unique glimpse into their histories, creative works and cultures.
Whistler Museum & Archives
You can learn about the area's rich and entertaining cultural history at the Whistler Museum & Archives. The Whistler Museum is currently closed for renovation, but it will re-open in February 2009 with a new exhibit on Whistler's Journey to 2010. This new exhibit will allow both residents and visitors to discover Whistler's stories.
Whether you’re single, a couple or group, Whistler is sure to have the perfect activity. Book online or call us directly in Whistler at 1.800.WHISTLER.
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