Callout for artists for Victoria's Commercial Alley
Local artists are invited to submit proposals to exhibit their artwork in what will be the Commercial Alley Outdoor Art Gallery’s 10th annual installation.
The competition is open to both individuals and teams and the successful applicants will be paid a fee of $4,000. Artists must live in the capital region, which includes the Gulf Islands.
“Victoria is known as a creative city full of opportunities,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. “Continuing to provide outdoor exhibition spaces for artists in Victoria not only supports our local creative communities, it helps foster a city rich in inspiration and joy.”
The proposed artwork is to be presented as a series of four 1.2-metre-by-2.4-metre panels. The artist can cut and reshape the panels within structural limitations. The artwork will be showcased from October to next August. The outdoor art gallery is located between the 500-block of Yates Street and Bastion Square.
Interested artists are invited to attend an online information session 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Register at Commercial Alley Art Gallery on Eventbrite.
The deadline for submissions is 4 p.m. July 22. All submissions and accompanying documents must be uploaded electronically at . Expression of interest hard copies will not be accepted.
• For more information, go to .
Webinar to explore transit challenges and strategies for those living with dementia
An upcoming webinar hosted by the Alzheimer Society of sa国际传媒 will offer tips to help people living with dementia navigate the transit system.
The webinar on Wednesday will explore some of the challenges and strategies for using public transit when living with dementia.
“An inclusive transit system not only provides a safe environment but also creates opportunities for the public to be more aware of the signs for when people may benefit from extra support,” said Sana Aziz, provincial co-ordinator for dementia-friendly communities at the Alzheimer Society of sa国际传媒
“When people understand the behaviours related to dementia and have the tools to assist, they are more capable and prone to lend a helping hand to create an accessible and inclusive transit experience for all riders.”
Additional webinar sessions will look at brain health (July 20) and how to support a friend who has dementia or is a caregiver (July 27).
To register for the free online session at 2 p.m. July 13, go to .
• To learn about other upcoming webinar topics, go to .
Green Teams pull invasive plants
Volunteers with Green Teams of sa国际传媒 removed about 3.5 cubic metres of invasive plants — the equivalent of about 22 bathtubs in volume — from the grounds of the University of Victoria’s Queenswood Campus two weeks ago.
The cleanup event was made possible through a partnership between Green Teams of sa国际传媒 and the UVic Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.
This was the charity’s third visit to the campus since April. In total, they have removed about 38.5 cubic metres of invasive species as well as clearing English ivy from almost 90 giant trees. They plan to return on July 23.
Grean Teams of sa国际传媒 says habitat restoration helps build climate resiliency and contributes to biodiversity. Volunteers also get to spend time connecting with each other and with nature.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience level. Tools, training and snacks are provided for everyone who comes to participate.
The group be found and .
Firewood supports Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Mosaic Forest Management is donating funds collected through the sale of firewood-cutting permits to support the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island.
The forestry company doubled proceeds from the sale of the permits via a matching contribution in order to commit $20,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, which helps provide supportive relationships for young people.
“As a former big brother, I know mentorship programs can change lives, and I’m proud to be able to make this commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Vancouver Island,” said Jeff Zweig, president and CEO of Mosaic. “At Mosaic, we’re passionate about giving back to the communities where we live, work and play and this contribution through our firewood permit sales will benefit numerous young people in the communities in which we operate.”
Hundreds of firewood permits are sold across Mosaic’s managed forest lands annually, which gives local communities access to affordable firewood for personal use, while generating funds for a deserving organization benefiting local communities.
Currently, more than 30,000 youth across the country are waiting for mentors. Studies show that mentored children and youth experience higher levels of self-esteem, have stronger social and coping skills, achieve a greater positive school adjustment and other benefits.
Mosaic’s donation will focus on developing core programming and expanding the reach Big Brothers Big Sisters provides on Central Vancouver Island.
To learn more about Mosaic’s sponsorship and donation program, go to .
Golfers in Langford help 40-plus charities
This year’s City of Langford Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament saw more than $202,000 raised in support of 40-plus Langford charities.
The event, now in its 26th year, was held at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa on June 23.
“Langford has always been a family community with a focus on recreation,” said Mayor Stew Young. “Many of the charities and organizations supported by this event have struggled immensely throughout the pandemic while continuing to do important work in our community. It’s thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and local development community that make this event possible every year.”
This year, new charitable causes added to the list include humanitarian aid for Ukraine, the Youth Environmental Stewardship program, Langford Youth Sports Expo, Mill Bay and District Conservation Society and the Victoria Conservatory.
Over the past 26 years, the tournament has raised more than $1.2 million for local charities and community organizations.
Victoria Foundation grants boost dozens of non-profits
The Victoria Foundation has announced more than $4.32 million in funding for 191 non-profits through its annual Community Grants Program.
The amount represents a 38 per cent increase from last year’s grants program, and provides local organizations with flexible general operating funds to meet immediate needs and build long-term resilience.
“This is the foundation’s chance to listen and respond to our community,” said Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our region, we can work together to strengthen organizations working to build a vibrant, caring community for all.”
A focus this year was to direct support to those who are Indigenous, Black, people of colour and 2SLGBTQIA+, women, children and youth, people with disabilities and newcomers.
In addition, the program offered flexible operating funding so non-profits could apply for their areas of greatest need, including staffing support, technology upgrades and day-to-day programming.
The foundation says its staff work to ensure an equitable distribution of grants across the region and sub-sectors. In 2021, the Victoria Foundation granted more than $20 million to 549 organizations.
To see the list of organizations funded through the 2022 Community Grants Program, go to .
