It’s official: Kootenay School of the Arts has NOT left the building.

While Kootenay School of the Arts is no longer under immediate pressure to vacate 606 Victoria Street this summer, the future of its programming remains at a critical turning point. We have a small window—measured in months, not years—to transition this vital institution into a new, model following the announcement by Selkirk College that it would no longer be supporting KSA programs. With your support, we can make that community-led transition possible.

A newly registered non-profit, the Kootenay School of the Arts Society (KSAS) visit website has formed to carry this work forward and protect this cornerstone of Nelson’s cultural identity. KSA is more than a school—it’s a training ground for emerging artists and a place where creativity becomes livelihood. Losing it would mean losing an essential piece of our community.

To ensure a strong and sustainable restart, we’re beginning with what we know works: CERAMICS. The ceramics program has consistently maintained a long-standing waitlist, with interest both locally and from across the country. With committed faculty and a proven curriculum already in place, Ceramics offers a solid foundation for relaunching KSA and building momentum for future programs in the years to come.

Why we need your help now

In this first year, KSAS is not yet eligible for most public or foundation grants, which require demonstrated stability and financial track records. This creates a difficult gap: we need bridge support to reach the point where we can qualify for long-term funding.

Your donations will directly support essential start-up and operating costs, including:

Insurance, registration, and licensing (~8K)

Utilities, maintenance, and occupancy costs (~70K)

Instructor wages and employment expenses (~75K)

Legal and accounting services (~6K)

Equipment repairs and initial supplies (~30K)

Why community support matters

Strong community backing does more than keep the doors open—it demonstrates demand, validates the importance of KSA educational programming, and strengthens our ability to secure future funding and partnerships.

This is not a request for permanent subsidy—it’s a request for a bridge. A chance to prove what we already know is possible.

A small, dedicated group of artists, neighbours, and community members have been working hard to make this happen. Now we’re asking you to stand with us.

At moments like this, institutions aren’t saved by systems—they’re saved by people, people like you.