Whistler has a distinct vibe. It’s an exhilarating and magnetic resort destination that’s known for its big mountain skiing, trailblazing biking scene, and stunning alpine vistas. And a lot of people will tell you they came here for these things, BUT, if you dig a bit, they’ll usually tell you that the reason they stayed is because they found a deeper connection, a sense of community.
And that doesn’t always happen by accident. There are people, organizations and businesses that deliberately cultivate community, and that’s who we want to showcase in this series.
Join our host, Mike Douglas, a member-at-large of Protect Our Winters Canada, pro skier, enviro nerd and Whistler local, as he shines a light on how Whistler cultivates its unique sense of community.
In video #3, we joined Marco Zunino, Finance & Development Manager, at Arts Whistler at Art on the Lake. Marco discusses what the arts do for a community, how artists and people can connect to the arts, and narrowly escapes canoe karaoke.
What is Art on the Lake?
Art on the Lake began in 2020 as a creative response to COVID-19, offering the community a safe way to experience art and music from the water. What started as a socially distanced experiment has since evolved into a beloved lakeside celebration of Sea to Sky creativity.
This year, Lost Lake came alive with eight musical acts, nine painters, ten local artisan vendors, four floating comedians, four DJs, and even canoe karaoke – all free for the community to enjoy.
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What do we need to know about Arts Whistler?
Arts Whistler has been part of the community since 1982, with a mission to weave arts and culture into everyday life here in Whistler. From our home at the Maury Young Arts Centre, we program, promote and advocate for the arts and local artists across the Sea to Sky.
We’re all about making the arts accessible, inspiring, and a regular part of people’s lives, whether that’s through a kids’ festival, a live music show, an art workshop, or a film night. If you love the arts, this is the place to be! There’s always something happening, and no two days are ever quite the same at Arts Whistler.
How does Arts Whistler bring creativity to the Whistler community?
Arts Whistler brings creativity to the community in lots of ways. People can come and enjoy events like Art on the Lake, the Arts Whistler Holiday Market, The People’s Film, and Arts Whistler Live, soaking in the music, art and performances.
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But it’s not just about watching; there are plenty of ways to jump in, too. Our Community Gallery is open to both professional and emerging artists, and hands-on workshops and professional development panels let people try new things, meet local artists and explore their own creativity.
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This summer, we hosted a series of painting workshops with Whistler Blackcomb on the mountain, giving people the chance to experience art in new and unexpected places. Whether you’re there to watch, learn, or create, there’s always a way to get involved and be part of the arts in Whistler.
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Why are the arts important to a community?
The arts are important to a community because they bring people together, spark conversation, nurture talent, and give people a way to express themselves. In Whistler, our vibrant arts scene builds on the inspiration of the mountains, attracting and supporting creatives while creating spaces for connection and shared experiences.
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A clear example of this is Peaks and Valleys, a recent gallery exhibit in partnership with Whistler Community Services Society. Local artists explored mental health challenges affecting our community – the impact of injury, a sense of belonging, and access to basic needs – in ways that were both thought-provoking and approachable. The exhibit showed how art can shine a light on real-life issues, engage the community, and foster understanding and connection.
How does Arts Whistler bring artists together?
Arts Whistler is more than a place for creatives to perform or display work; it’s a hub where artists can meet, collaborate, create and learn from one another. Whether it’s chatting at one of our gallery art parties, participating in hands-on workshops, or joining professional development sessions, there are plenty of ways for artists to connect.
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Programs like Trailblazers and Tomorrow Makers take this a step further, pairing established artists and photographers such as Andrea Mueller and Logan Swayze with emerging talent for mentorship sessions that foster learning, growth and lasting connections.
How can people connect with and support the arts in Whistler?
There are many ways to engage with and support the arts in Whistler. You can attend events, festivals, and workshops, visit galleries, or support local artists by purchasing their work. Signing up for the Arts Whistler newsletter is a great place to start—it keeps you in the loop on everything happening in the creative community.
You can also become a member of Arts Whistler to help sustain our programs and enjoy exclusive benefits, or volunteer with us to get hands-on experience and be part of bringing arts and culture to life in the community.
This interview and video are number three of a series on how Whistler cultivates community. Video one features the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA), and video two highlights the Whistler Community Services Society.
