Founded in 1969, the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake is a vital voice for local arts and culture in the Cariboo Chilcotin. Founding members, including playwright Gwen Ringwood, publisher Clive Stangoe, potter Anna Roberts and thespian Anne Hornby, envisioned a collective and collaborative organization charged with invigorating the creative community. CACWL is a registered charity.

Since then, CACWL has produced and supported public art and arts education, all while encouraging strong social connections that celebrate culture. CACWL serves our 14 member groups, individual artists, youth arts and the community at large through performances, workshops, funding and arts and culture experiences.

This support may be present in the form of hosting workshops and arts education events, supplying funds for artisans at an event, a yearly bursary to graduating high school students, venue expenses for member groups’ events, Youth Musicians and Children’s Art Camp support, funds for music books , art supplies for events or advertising and promotion. 

CACWL’s 14 member groups are:  Cariboo Potters Guild; Cariboo Art Society; Williams Lake Community Band; Williams Lake Spinners,Weavers and Fibre Artsists; Williams Lake Writers; Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddlers; Quintet Plus, Cariboo Gold dance Band; Potato House Heritage and Sustainability; Station House Gallery; Museum of the Cariboo; Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society; Cariboo Festival Society and Williams Lake Studio Theatre; of which 8 are supported by CAC under a group insurance plan.  

CACWL also initiates community art events engaging the whole community- Yarn Bombing, Aboriginal Days Ground Mural, varied performances including classical concerts, Children’s Art in the Park program, and downtown storefront art group displays. Through a  BC Creative Communities grant we provide the City with colourful street banners and continue to bring in funds annually for the arts in Williams Lake and area from BC Arts Council, Gaming, City of Williams Lake ad the Cariboo Regional District, and various other funding  sources.