The Whistler Arts Council (WAC) has elected a new chair. Joan Pitman recently succeeded Joan Richoz, who is remaining on the board of directors as past-chair.
“I’ve inherited a very healthy arts council — I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the hard work that Joan Richoz and (Executive Director) Doti (Niedermayer) did,” Pitman said. “I’ve got big shoes to fill. We just want to make sure that we exceed the expectations of the community.”
Pitman said she hopes to grow WAC’s membership and patron programs, as well as increase the visibility of the arts council.
“So much goes on in Whistler that a lot of people don’t know Whistler’s arts council is backing. I want a better awareness,” she said.
“I would like to see arts and culture expanded a little. It’d be really wonderful if the weekenders could join our patrons program; we do so much that the weekenders see and participate in, and we would like to have their support.”
When asked if she anticipates any new events, Pitman replied that she is currently planning a celebration of Whistler’s history, to be held in November.
Richoz will be guiding Pitman in her new role. Richoz said, “We are delighted that she accepted to move up into the position of chair.”
Continuing on the board as past-chair, Richoz has been actively involved with WAC since 1983. She also serves the provincial arts and culture community as chair of the B.C. Assembly of Arts Councils.
Richoz recently received recognition for her work with a 2010 B.C. Community Achievement Award. She is optimistic about WAC’s progress, saying, “I think our future is really bright, having merged with Millennium Place to increase programming.”
Pitman brings plenty of experience to the position. She served on the board of the Arts Club Theatre at Granville Island, and was board president during the fundraising, acquisition and renovation of the Stanley Theatre in Vancouver. She was a founding board member of Taste of Nations and the Executive Travel Network. Pitman is involved with the B.C. SPCA, and Variety, the Children’s Charity. She is also on the board of Whistler Animals Galore (WAG), the local animal shelter.
Pitman moved to Whistler permanently in 2001, having spent weekends here since 1987. She initially became involved with WAC as a contractor for Cornucopia, and joined the board in 2007.
Niedermayer said she was keen to have Pitman as the next chair.
“Joan has a pretty extensive background in not-for-profit. She’s a great new chair with experience in the arts and fundraising,” Niedermayer said.
For more information, visit whistlerartscouncil.com. WAC Patrons can join the Circle of 100 for a $100 donation, or become a Bronze ($250), Silver ($500), Gold ($1,000), Platinum ($2,500) or Lifetime Patron ($5,000). WAC membership is $25 a year.
