Hornby Island Organizations
The GroundWater Institute of
Contemporary Art & Culture
Tourists come to Hornby Island for its superb beaches, evident community, and culturally aware and inclusive milieu. Founded in December 2003, and based on Hornby Island, the GroundWater Institute for Contemporary Art and Culture operates as a presenter of art and culture, a forum for discussion, and a possible catalyst for change. Responding to the particularities of its location in the Gulf Islands archipelago on the west coast of Canada, the GroundWater Institute's aims and activities reflect the conditions and interests of the local microcosm, while also responding to the activities and ideas of the larger global context. The GroundWater Institute investigates, presents, promotes and supports the production of contemporary art and culture, and related critical discourses. Its current series "Love and Money in the Americas," for instance, has hosted presentations by Canadian filmmaker Renée Poisson, Cuban artist Manuel Piña and Cuban curator Dannys Montes de Oca Moreda.
A registered non-profit society, GWICAC is directed by its founder, Annette Hurtig, and governed by its Trustees: Melisa Devost, singer/songwriter; Michael MacNamara, architect, Gordon Payne, artist, Mary Payne, philanthropist, and Katherine Ronan, architectural designer.
For more information contact:
Annette Hurtig
hurtig@telus.net
tel/fax 250 335 1105
The Shire 2-4
Hornby Island
BC, Canada, V0R 1Z0
Hornby Island Theatre Society
HITS began its 22 season run in 1984, and by now has done over 40 productions. It’s a hardworking, award-winning, nonprofit theatre “company” whose aim is to bring the magic of the stage to our island. Community run, HITS uses mostly local talent to mount two to three shows a year, which aim at professionalism in spite of limited resources. They are always looking for new talent, which includes many skills besides acting: stage management, set construction and costume design, direction, production, promotion,etc. Auditions and recruitment are advertised in general mail-outs of flyers and on posters well in advance of opening night.
To be notified of upcoming plays, visit the realhornby.com events page or call John Grunewald for info: (250) 335-0165.
ISLA: Islanders’ Secure
Land Association
ISLA is a non-profit society founded in March 2005, as a Community Land Trust for both Hornby and Denman Islands.A Community Land Trust provides a means for holding land and keeping it available for affordable housing for island residents. Secure homes for working families and other residents help our communities remain stable and sustainable. ISLA is still in its early stages, preparing to be in a position to receive potential land donations on both islands. Much work needs to be done.
Right now, ISLA is:
- Creating selection criteria for ISLA home ownership
- Working with potential land donors
- Researching similar organizations
- Researching alternative building practices
- Strategic planning
- Fundraising and building membership
You can assist these efforts by becoming a member, donating money, or helping with other tasks that will move the initiative forward.
To become a member, click here to download a membership application. 
For more information email islacommunitylandtrust@gmail.com
HICEEC: Hornby Island Community Economic Enhancement Corporation
The purpose of HICEEC (pronounced “high seek”) is to take leadership in developing and implementing solutions to social and economic issues facing the citizens of Hornby Island. Our mission is to foster a healthy, sustainable, resilient and diversified economy on the Island.
Click here for more information.
