resources

There are a number of great resources that I have come across either through my work in the non-profit a+c sector or as an artist. Both Arts BC and Alliance for the Arts have already compiled GREAT resources for organizations and artists regarding grants etc. so be sure to check them out!

Compiled and sorted into a few categories:
  • arts+culture resources
  • diving
  • photography (underwater)
  • sculpture
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*please note that I do not receive ANY benefit from my list of resources*

arts+culture resources

ARTS BC -  Is a resource itself and works to cultivate community cultural development through knowledge-sharing and serving its province-wide network including 300 arts councils, arts, culture and heritage organizations, Individual artists, creative entrepreneurs, community and partner groups.
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  • Arts BC Hotline (1-844-278-7911) Arts BC is backed by a team of experts that have been powering the arts for decades.  Have a question? Need to trouble shoot? Seeking advice? Give Arts BC  a call!
  • Full list of grant opportunities for both organizations and artists
  • Great digital workshops, conferences and networking!
BC ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS+CULTURE - Since 1986, the BC Alliance has strived to serve the arts and cultural sector by monitoring public policy, synthesizing issues for our members, providing support, services and professional development, and representing the interests of artists and cultural workers.

  • One of the only websites that Includes job postings strictly for the arts
  • Full list of grant opportunities for both organizations and artists
  • Political driving force for arts advocacy
CULTURE ONLINE - Whether you’re a parent looking for a way to spark home learning, an educator wanting access to new online resources, or someone who just love arts, culture, and heritage, you’ll find a world of culture on CultureOnline.ca.

  • New website launched in the spring of 2020 serving all of BC
VANTAGE POINT -  exists to support the people moving these organizations forward – Executive Directors, board members, senior leaders, managers, staff, and volunteers.
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  • Great resource for folks in the nonprofit industry.  
WESTCOAST CURATED - brings together the most innovative, original, and thought-provoking art happening on the West Coast of British Columbia, and all the cultural happenings that colour our corner of the world.

diving

Full retail, service and training facility located in New Westminster, BC.  What I love about George (owner) is that he does not try to sell me equipment I don't need or upsell!  
THE largest female ONLY diving community in the world.  In a world where the sport is dominated by men it is nice to connect with other female divers.  I also follow GTS on Facebook and found that the group has great conversations and helpful hints.  Also a great way to connect and network with woman from around the world!
  • They organize ALL female diving trips
  • Great source for product recommendations
  • Supportive community for female divers
My go to place for items that Dive and Sea Sports does not carry.  Great customer service and return policy.  Shipped out of the states so you are comparing on the US dollar.  

photography

Depending where you are located even when you try to shop local often times you cannot find the equipment especially for underwater equipment.  In Vancouver there are MANY great suppliers of standard DSLR cameras and equipment but it is when you get into underwater I found it to be a lot more difficult.  (except when I was in Grand Cayman!) 
There are 100's of online camera dealers and after 5 divers suggesting Backscatter they became my go to source.  In addition to having everything you might need they have great support if things go wrong.  
  • Great customer service and support
  • Helpful videos to help you get started
  • Latest equipment

sculpture

Support your local businesses when possible,  but at the same time if I am buying 500+ pounds of clay and it is half the price it is worth my time to travel to purchase even with exchange.  I declare everything and pay duty when necessary, not worth the fines or the trouble!
Pottery supply store located in Tacoma Washington.  Schedule a full day down and back to pick up, they do deliver but it is expensive.  I head down when I decide to purchase 500 pounds+ of clay.  You can find the Laguna and Little John Clay here.
I highly recommendation if you are just starting out and thinking about making work for craft fairs to check out Mea Rhee from Good Elephant Pottery. She has an EXCELLENT blog and info about the pricing your work and production scheduling. I do not know her personally, I learned so much from her posts that I can only recommend her as a resource. I love her simple style and her willingness to impart her knowledge to the rest of the world.
Local pottery supply store.  One of two pottery supply stores in the Lower Mainland.  If you have a speciality clay you want to try out they will order it in on special request.
Established in 1955, the Potters Guild of British Columbia (PGBC) is our province's largest and oldest organization for professional ceramicists. PGBC is a non-profit society that serves the needs of the BC Ceramic arts community. ​
I usually order the larger sized underglazes through Seattle and ship just south of the border.
Amazing workshops and classes in ceramics (and other media as well!).  Great classes for all ages.
Local pottery supply store.  The other large pottery supply store in the Lower Mainland.  These guys have great hump molds and speciality tools you cannot get at the other store.  I love my Xiem tools, which I discovered at this store!  They also host workshops.
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