Whistler's community is committed to improving the arts and culture scene. The following institutions work tirelessly to promote the arts and provide opportunities for locals and visitors to experience Whistler's unique culture:
Arts Whistler (formerly Whistler Arts Council)
Arts Whistler are a passionate bunch – passionate about Whistler, about arts, and about making arts and culture an integral part of day-to-day life. The magic happens at the Maury Young Arts Centre, right in the heart of Whistler Village, where Arts Whistler run a variety of creative classes and workshops, showcase a lineup of exciting live shows for the Performance Series, and host year-round free admission exhibits in The Gallery. Annual events include the Whistler Children’s Festival, Whistler Street Entertainment, Bizarre Bazaar, ArtWalk and Art Workshops on the Lake. As a non-profit organization established in 1982, the only thing that Arts Whistler seeks to make richer is Whistler’s love for arts and culture.
Whistler Film Festival Society
The Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS) is a charitable cultural organization dedicated to furthering the art of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with the must attend, 5-day Whistler Film Festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler over the first weekend of December. The WFFS produces one of Canada’s leading film festivals and plays a leadership role in offering project development programs and opportunities for filmmakers.
Art Gallery Association
The Whistler Gallery Association was formed in 2012 by the eleven commercial art galleries with locations in the Whistler area. Most of the galleries are in Whistler Village, with two located in the Function Junction district, 8 minutes south of Whistler Village and one in Whistler Creekside, 5 minutes south of the Village. The Association represents the interests of Whistler’s commercial fine art dealers, and provides a venue for co-operative marketing campaigns such as the Whistler Gallery Walk.
Whistler’s Public Art Program Committee
The Whistler Public Art Program Committee meets monthly to discuss art projects and sets the program for obtaining and implementing public art. The Committee consists of ten volunteers who are appointed by Council and includes: artists, gallery owners, Whistler Arts Council members, business community members, urban designers and developers, a member of Council; and Whistler residents who are passionate about art. Members have knowledge of contemporary art, are committed to excellence, and represent the community. They are also responsible for managing all public art projects to ensure that they are safe and durable.