Nelson’s arts, culture and heritage sector plays a significant role in the social, cultural and  economic life of our community. In advance of the 2026 municipal election, we are inviting candidates to share their perspectives on the sector and their priorities should they be elected. The Arts, Culture & Heritage Candidate Survey is conducted by the Nelson & District Arts Council, Nelson Museum, Archives, and Gallery, Oxygen Art Centre, Kootenay Regional Arts Council, Tapatía Collective, and The Capitol Theatre.

The 2026 local election will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026. Eligible voters will elect one mayor and six councillors, as well as two School District 8 trustees.

Two advance voting opportunities will be held at City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 and Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the City of Nelson website.

In this survey, we hear from Aviva Keely, a Candidate for the office of Councillor.

1. Civic Experience

What experience do you have working in politics?

None

What is your knowledge in regards to municipal politics and responsibilities?

I’m still learning, but I’m a quick study.

What vision of community would you bring to city council?

I have lived in Nelson off and on since 1996. As a youth I found it hard to make a life here. But I was determined to make this my home and raise a family in what I believe to be one of the most magical places on earth.

Now I am a mom, a business owner, a fiber artist, and the producer of multiple local artisan events. I’m passionate about youth programs, especially those in the arts, entertainment and sports sectors. I have been very fortunate that my business Positive Apparel Thrift Store is able to sponsor many organizations and events yearly including; Markets, dance, gymnastics, fashion shows, circus, theater, and school and more.

I am very passionate and caring. I am often an outsider in this community and have discovered I am not alone. I ask hard questions and pursue the answers relentlessly. Those who know me know how passionate I am about this community. I bring honesty, compassion and strength to the table.

I have an eye for details. I see more than most people and take others into consideration when making my decisions.

2. Community Engagement & Transparency

How would you encourage residents, community organizations, and local non-profits to participate meaningfully in City visioning and decision-making?

Going to City Council meetings or watching them online. Reviewing agenda package posted on City website. Put in proposals, freedom of information request, go to a committee of the whole meeting and get involved.

Connecting with organizations like the Chamber and arts council can allow any individual community members the opportunity to learn more about city vision.

Volunteering at local events, get a booth or volunteering at the Farmers market, the possibilities to connect and understand the vision are endless.

How would you ensure transparency and accountability in your own decision-making?

I have always had an open-door policy at Positive Apparel. A prime example is when we had to shift away from our recycling program last fall. It was a lot, and took over a year to decide to end the program. After the soft announcement, there was a solid month of questions every minute or every day, but I answered every phone call and email and spoke to every community member for hours each day. I answered those who had questions, suggestions and words of support. 

We took a huge loss in the end with that project before we had to stop. We were never government or city funded, and we are still actively working with local government to find solutions to reactivate this project.

I would bring this kind of open door approach to my council position.

3. Understanding Nelson’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Sector

What is your impression of Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector?

I have seen some unequal access to some of the opportunities available throughout this sector. Some organizations seem to be favored while others are left wondering why they don’t quite fit. 

I’m hoping my position on Council will give me the opportunity to dig into this further and determine why there may be a bias.

What role do you believe it plays in our community?

This community and the outlying community are both affected. Having participated in many arts and cultural events in Vancouver and Calgary I can clearly see there is currently areas of improvement we need here in Nelson.

There are some unreasonable expectations being set. This causes some events to get canceled after a year or sometimes before they can even get started.

I understand this does not solely fall on the shoulders of the organizations that have created this questionnaire.

4. Understanding the Non-Profit Sector

Are you familiar with the operational realities and funding models of non-profit arts, culture, and heritage organizations?

Yes

What do you see as the primary challenges facing these organizations today?

There are so many not for profits in this town. The biggest challenge is:

• lack of funding available from well-known groups
• too many funding streams and finding what funding is appropriate for your organization 
• the timelines that funding is available. Often funding takes a year or worse years to get established. 
• the last-minute nature of this area and the lack of communication. Not knowing until a week before a project start is not the way to support a NFP.
• the drain they have on those who sit on multiple boards for little to no pay. 

There is something to be said for the organizations who stand on their own and support these groups and this community.

Although NFPS are extremely important, with so many, this can cause the funding pool to be oversaturated or in some cases be nonexistent. This can discourage new groups from forming or cause them to collapse within their first year. There must be a better way.

5. Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenous Relationships

Arts, culture and heritage organizations have an important role to play in truth, reconciliation and decolonization. 

What learning have you undertaken with Indigenous peoples, histories, and communities connected to this territory?

Listening to the locals and hearing their authentic stories.

Have you built relationships with the Indigenous community?

I have built a relationship with many individuals in the Indigenous community on a personal one on one level.

How do you see City Council leadership contributing meaningfully to this work?

Honestly, I’m not sure, but I’m ready to figure it out.

6. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility

What learning or experience have you had related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility?

It is important to be inclusive in all aspects. Being open and reserving judgement is the most important first step. Finding common ground and compassion is the key to life. I have hired many individuals who have different needs. It is an honour to hold space for them even when it isn’t always easy.

If elected, how would these principles influence your work as a City Councillor?

I love getting to know people on an individual level. Hearing their stories and seeing the life they have created and where I can be of service. Connecting with people is extremely important to me.

7. Participation in Arts, Culture & Heritage

How often do you attend an arts and culture event in the community?

As often as possible.

Do you or have you ever volunteered for an arts, culture, or heritage non-profit?

Yes

Do you purchase local artworks or support the sector in other ways?

Yes

List 8 cultural organizations and businesses that deliver community-based arts.

• NDAC
• Craft connection
• Chamber Of Commerce 
• Kootenay Artisan Fair 
• Discover Circus 
• Capital Theater
• Lalin and Corazon vocal ensemble 
• Nelson Museum

There are so many it’s an honour to live here and celebrate so many organizations.

8. The Future of Arts, Culture & Heritage in Nelson

What do you believe are the most important contributions arts, culture, and heritage make to Nelson?

It brings communities together and bridges boundaries.

What would you as a councillor do to support the sector’s growth?

Encourage more funding and or a more even disbursement of existing funds.

How do you think the sector could be strengthened over the next four years?

We have a strong foundation. Generating more funds and proper disbursement, along with repurposing currently underutilized facilities like Mary Hall and the Arena for much-needed larger indoor events. I was grateful that the city decided to allow Lakeside Park to finally be used for more public events. Seeing both the KAF and Mural Fest happen there is spectacular.

9. Municipal Investment

Do you believe municipal investment in Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector should be maintained or increased?

At minimum, maintained. I would want to review budgets and understand exactly how much is being distributed and how it is spent before I can say what should be done. A quick look and I can see early projections of over $300,000.00 and closer to $400,000 expected in city funding for early in 2026. With there also being other funding streams for this sector, I would want to review spending and better understand all funding sources in order to determine if municipal investments need to be increased or reallocated.

How would you balance investment in the sector with the other demands on the City’s budget?

Without full knowledge of the budget that is not something that I can answer. I do not know the current number of resources the city has allocated. Like other organizations, the city of Nelson has the ability to acquire funding targeted to the arts and distribute it. I would see how far these avenues have been exhausted and see where there are some missed opportunities.

10. Affordable & Accessible Cultural Space

The cost and availability of cultural spaces is an increasing challenge for artists, cultural workers and non-profit organizations. 

What role do you believe the City should play in protecting and supporting affordable spaces for arts, culture, and heritage services in Nelson?

There are several City owned properties that were intended to be multipurpose but did not end up that way. We are a small town that is growing, why do we have limited space for community events?

The City could also advocate for spaces like Mary Hall. My event the “Kootenay Artisan Christmas Fair”, was previously held there but has been denied access to this space for 5 consecutive years. Even with other notable advocates this space is not available. The area that was originally built with the intention of a multi use facility is not heated and with out proper ice covering there is only a small window for concerts and events or in the summer.

However Trail can accommodate a 200 vendor event several times a year.

I hope that a seat on Council would allow me to better understand the criteria used to access these spaces.

What role do you believe the City should play in developing affordable cultural spaces?

When it comes to city owned properties they should provide in-kind support and or financial support where they can.

11. Arts, Culture & Heritage in City Planning

How should arts, culture and heritage be considered within broader municipal decisions related to the following:

• Economic development and tourism? 

Large events bring tourists. Since we don’t have an industry here tourism is our biggest asset. Every gymnastics competitions, dance showcases, soccer tournament, volleyball, basketball etc. Is an opportunity, but with little to no parking a mall that tickets people leaving their vehicles these “tourist” leave without spending money or extra time. It’s another huge missed opportunity.

• City and specifically downtown planning and the development of public space?

In my personal observations we are not properly set up for public spaces for the type of events that bring constant revenue into this city. Trail, Castlegar, Creston, Cranbrook, Fernie and Kimberly are better prepared to handle real revenue generating events. This is not something that can be fixed overnight. We do have spaces like Mary Hall at the 10th st campus but they are reluctant to allow events to be held there. With the parking being shared for the new IH building due to the choices made in past years this space is also not ideal either.

Downtown has been used as a place to host large outdoor events successful. However the majority of these events are now City owned and operated, creating another revenue stream for them rather than a support to the arts, culture and heritage.

• Affordable housing for cultural workers? 

All Nelsonites deserve affordable housing.

What role do arts, culture and heritage play in community wellbeing?

Arts, culture and heritage bring people together over a shared experience and a shared love.

12. Your Commitment

If elected, what is one concrete action you would like to see City Council and the City of Nelson take during the next Council term to strengthen arts, culture, and heritage in our community?

A transparent evaluation of funding and budgeting to identify where there may be gaps or missed opportunities.