The Abbotsford Arts Council (also known as the AAC) provides exhibition and performance opportunities for emerging and community artists and musicians located in British Columbia or who have ties to the Fraser Valley.

The AAC’s stated values include decolonization, Indigenization, inclusivity, safety, and accountability.

The AAC is committed to fostering a healthy workplace for members, volunteers, and staff, and makes space for communities who have been impacted by colonialism, capitalism, marginalization, ableism, poverty, and intersecting areas of oppression.

As such, the AAC has zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, hate speech, and cultural appropriation.

The AAC’s visual arts programming includes curated exhibitions overseen by an adjudication committee, as well as open calls for community art. The AAC also houses the Downie Wenjack Legacy Space (DWLS), a wing of the Kariton Gallery dedicated to Indigenous programming.

Artists submitting to either the DWLS or the Kariton’s open calls for community or curated programming will take care to not engage in cultural appropriation or misattribute their heritage.

Artists who have submitted work that goes against the AAC’s Code of Conduct will immediately have their work removed from consideration and be notified.

The AAC’s performing arts programming includes Jam in Jubilee and Mill Lake Music and provides opportunities for musicians, singers, dancers, and spoken word artists. Artists whose work contains lyrics, movement, presentation or speech that goes against the AAC’s Code of Conduct will immediately have their work removed from consideration and be notified.

Artists who have been offered exhibition or performance opportunities with the AAC are considered ambassadors of the organization and will promote its stated values. Artists who have been found to engage in conduct that goes against the AAC’s stated values or any public health orders, whether representing the AAC or in their personal social media or activities, will have those opportunities immediately terminated and their work removed from AAC property and the AAC’s promotional materials.

Members who are not in good standing with the AAC, including but not limited to members who have been suspended for poor conduct or are under investigation for violation of the Code of Conduct, will be automatically ineligible for presentation, performance, or vendor opportunities and, depending on the depth of harm caused, may be removed from the organization.