ArtWalk cancelled for 2020

The Okanagan’s largest multi-arts festival has been cancelled for 2020 due to Covid-19.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of Lake Country ArtWalk, the Okanagan’s largest art show,” said Dr. Sharon McCoubrey, chairperson, Lake Country ArtWalk Planning Committee. “The Covid-19 crisis and the directives from the provincial health officials make it impossible for an event such as the Lake Country ArtWalk festival to take place.”

The event was scheduled for Sept. 12 and 13.

“We considered producing a modified version of ArtWalk through various digital strategies,” said McCoubrey, “however, it would not be possible to capture the experience of ArtWalk, the magic mix of artworks, music, people, the energy of mingling creativity and unexpected encounters.”

Thousands of people from the region, along with visitors from locations beyond the valley, will also be affected by not being able to attend this fun and significant cultural event. As a regular attendee said, “September will not be the same this year without ArtWalk.’”

Organizers are discussing plans to still produce a special community project this year.

“The ArtWalk festival has two goals within its mandate, to support artists and to provide a valuable arts experience for the public. Rather than simply skipping this year, the Planning Committee has been working on a community project as a way for ArtWalk to still mark the 2020 year. The specific details of the community project are in the planning stage and are ensuring a celebratory, uplifting project that would support artists and have a strong community engagement component,” said McCoubrey.

McCoubrey said details on the project will be revealed soon.