This is not the first history of the Community Arts Council. In this introduction to The Community Arts Council of Vancouver through the years 1946-1970, Frank Applebee wrote:
“This history… has been compiled from records deposited with the City of Vancouver Archives. This, it is hoped, is a factual preliminary history which will lead eventually to a more descriptive summary of the accomplishments of the Council and its important place in the cultural life of the city and the province.”
The years 1973-1979 were captured in a history compiled by Garry and Edmund Colchester. The Colchesters in their introduction stated: “The files and records of the Arts Council read like the history of the City of Vancouver, so many faceted are the points of view reflected in the society reports.”
These commendable earlier historians give credit to many volunteer assistants, particularly Judith Jardine, Anne Macdonald and Joanne Cram. These documents have been of immeasurable value in compiling this current history.
The Editorial Committee, Janet Bingham, Joanne Cram and Elizabeth Lane, have been more than editors. They have written much of the material in this book. Founding members of the Arts Council, Elena (Arkell) Wait, Eleanor (Nora Gibson) Gregory and Mary Roaf have been most helpful and enthusiastic. Other Community Arts Council members who have contributed to the writing’ and research are Mark Armanini, Blair Baillie, Catherine Barford, Arts Council President Pam Chambers, Peter Hebb and Frank Low-Beer. Kathryn Hanson has not only copy edited, but has also cast light on the many facets of the present and future of the Arts Council. Blair Ketcheson contributed the cover photograph, Shirley Yen and Laurie Hazell the current photographs.
Dana Alvaro, Theresa Best and Raj Sihota have worked studiously on the manuscript. Chair of the Fiftieth Anniversary Committee, John H. Goodwin has been continually supportive. Last, but not least, Executive Director Ingrid Alderson has not only contributed information but has also kept the project on an even keel, directing with tact and discretion the talents of the large number of people involved.
The City of Vancouver Archivist, Sue Baptie, and her staff have been most helpful in assisting with this publication.
By now the reader will have grasped the fact that this has been a group effort. It has been a very pleasant one.
Elizabeth O’Kiely