Fort McMurray, AB, July 17, 2024 – Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) is thrilled to announce a generous donation from Bouchier to advance the recently launched $3 million INCredible! Fundraising Campaign. 

The INCredible Campaign is a transformative $3 million fundraising initiative, driving the development of Arts INC. Arts Council Wood Buffalo is delighted to announce Bouchier’s significant leadership investment of $150,000 in this INCredible project. Bouchier’s business journey is deeply rooted in over 25 years of commitment to quality, service, delivery, and sustainability. As a local Indigenous company, Bouchier believes in creating positive impact now and into the future.

Bouchier’s commitment to Arts INC and the INCredible! Campaign demonstrates their dedication to transmitting and preserving Indigenous culture, underscores the importance of investing in arts entrepreneurship, and highlights the empowerment of the next generations of artists as a fundamental part of strengthening and supporting community.

“We hope to ignite momentum for others to be part of this campaign to strengthen the arts,” said Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, Co-Owner and CEO of Bouchier. “By providing more access to cultural learning and the arts, together, our efforts with Arts Council Wood Buffalo, can shape and enhance the region.”

Through their donation, Bouchier has received the naming rights for the Teaching Circle in Arts INC. The Bouchier Teaching Circle is a visible and interactive hub where the curious gather in an inclusive setting, designed for dynamic learning and cultural sharing. Visible from the street at Manning Avenue, the Bouchier Teaching Circle invites participants to listen, learn, collaborate, explore, create, and share their artistic passions in a warm and welcoming space.

Arts INC is set to become a cornerstone of Wood Buffalo, a social enterprise that fuels the creative economy and downtown revitalization. This innovative facility will feature purpose-built spaces, including the Bouchier Teaching Circle, personal arts creation rooms, music learning and performance spaces, meeting and gathering spaces, a teaching kitchen, marketplace, and more. The facility design and construction costing are approved, and construction is ready to commence.

The total cost of the Arts INC project is estimated at $16 million. While development grants have been secured, additional support is essential to reach the goal. The $3 million INCredible! Fundraising Campaign seeks charitable donations from businesses, families, and individuals to advance the Arts INC project.

ACWB expresses tremendous gratitude to Bouchier for kicking off the campaign with their leadership and generous contribution to the INCredible! Campaign. ACWB looks forward to working together to activate this outstanding new sustainable home for the arts. 

For more information about this exciting project and the donation opportunities please visit our website at ArtsINC.ca or contact Liana Wheeldon, Executive Director of Arts Council Wood Buffalo at (780) 972-4938 or liana@artscouncilwb.ca