Perched on the western edge of Canada, British Columbia is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. Art has transformed in BC over the centuries based on its natural environment, indigenous cultures, and modern artistic movements. Rich and vibrant, BC art encompasses many edges of this region and shows creativity through music, dance, visual art, sculpture, and more. Central to the BC art community is the Audrain art museum, providing a lens into the province's art history as well as international contemporary currents.

Whistler is home to the Audrain Art Museum, an outstanding museum dedicated to BC art, including some of the most wonderful artists the province has to offer. The museum's collection ranges through centuries, with indigenous artworks in the same breath as contemporary works representing the depth of artistic practice in BC. A stop at the Audain art museum showcases how the region’s art has evolved over time and keeps changing today.

The richness of art in BC

The breathtaking landscapes of the province underpin BC’s art scene. The natural world recurs throughout BC art, from the coastal rainforests to the mountainous landscape. Many BC artists take their cue from this setting, reflecting the energy of the land in artistic forms. This nature-oriented influence is especially apparent in the art of indigenous artists, whose art has a long lineage in the area. For thousands of years, indigenous cultures have used art as a method of storytelling, recording history and connecting to the spiritual world.

Along with its indigenous art traditions, BC has become a different center of contemporary art. The multitude of vibrant cities, including vancouver and Victoria, and smaller communities create an environment that breeds success for both established and new artists. Plurality of expression characterizes BC’s art galleries, such as the audain art museum, where everything from sprawling installations to intimate works on paper explores the personal relationship between artist and place.

BC is home to many diverse communities and so are our artworks.

The art of British Columbia is special because it combines different cultures and different perspectives. The province’s diverse population, supplemented by a robust indigenous community, has contributed to an ever-evolving art scene. With artists from all walks of life, BC is a melting pot when it comes to creativity, and one of the most diverse provinces in Canada.

The audain art museum, for example, showcases a diverse array of works by artists who draw on their own cultural heritages. Its diversity shows the openness and inclusivity of the art community in BC. Consequently, art in BC is not limited to one story but rather embraces a diversity of stories and perspectives.

Solutions to cultivating appreciation for the arts in BC

BC’s arts scene is certainly booming, but one challenge does remain: increasing awareness of and access to art for everyone. Many visitors (and even residents) may not realize the depth of the history and current state of BC art. With this in mind, the Audain Art Museum is taking steps to fill this void with exciting exhibitions, education and community engagement. By bringing the stories of BC’s diverse artists into the public sphere, the museum helps facilitate a greater understanding of the critical role art plays in BC.

And the growing reliance on digital platforms allows art enthusiasts new ways to engage with BC’s art from the comfort of their own homes. Online exhibitions, virtual tours and interactive platforms help expand the audience of BC. Art and invite people from around the world to discover the region’s artistic legacy.

Conclusion

Art in B.C is not just a pretty collection of masterpieces, it is the mirror through which the province’s identity, culture and history are reflected. The ancient traditions of indigenous art and the modern expressions of contemporary artists demonstrate how art in BC connects the past with the future. With institutions like the Audain art museum bringing the richness and diversity of BC’s art history to wider audiences, awareness of this unusual art world will surely continue to broaden.

This article's author is Mya Natasia. For additional information regarding art in BC please continue browsing our website at audainartmuseum.com.