Thrive & Connect Community Consulting

08/12/2026

We are so excited to introduce Lets'lō:ts'tel, the 1st Annual Indigenous Youth Art Gala coming up this fall!

We are looking for Indigenous youth ages 12-27 who are interested in showcasing their art at the upcoming Gala . Youth will have the opportunity to sell their art pieces at this Gala and 100% of the sale of their art goes directly back to the artist!

This is a great opportunity for youth to showcase their talent, be known as an artist, and gain experience in sales and marketing.
Youth who enter will be supported throughout the process with a marketing workshop, support displaying their art, and more!

This Gala is free for Youth Artists to showcase their art, but space is limited, please fill out an expression of interest form as soon as possible to hold your spot and send to [email protected] . Forms will need to be sent by September 8th .

08/12/2026

It's the most wonderful time of the year. 🎨

Artists from around the world are welcomed into our community and gift us with something extraordinary — their talent, their vision, and their art on our walls.

I love the weeks leading up to the Chilliwack Mural Festival. Watching the muralists at work, seeing street corners transformed almost overnight — it's a good reminder of how powerful a few cans of paint can be.

This year I'll be enjoying the Street Party as an attendee, which honestly makes it the perfect birthday celebration. I'm going to go ahead and pretend it's all for me. 🎂

Which new mural is your favourite? Drop your snap in the comments — I want to see what's catching your eye! 👇

08/04/2026

The kind of community support that brings us joy 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵

07/30/2026

Calling all Q***r artists! 🌈🎨
What stories do you tell through your work? How do you explore identity, community, love, activism, or the Q***r experience?

We're looking for emerging and early-career Q***r artists to exhibit in our Canadian Tire Lobby Mezzanine Gallery as part of our 2026 Q***r Arts Festival!
If your work connects with these themes, we'd love to see your submission. Artists working in all wall-displayable mediums are encouraged to apply, with BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, and artists with disabilities especially encouraged to submit!

Selected artist will receive:
💰 A $200 honorarium
🖼️ 85% of artwork sales
🎟️ Two tickets to QAF series show of their choice.

Applications close August 10, 2026.
📅 The solo exhibition runs from September 15th to October 31st, 2026.

Visit our website under "Art Galleries" → "Call for Artists" for the complete eligibility requirements, exhibition details, and our application form: https://www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/elementor-16868/
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07/22/2026

📣 Help shape the future of business in the South Fraser region!

Applications are open for passionate, community-minded individuals to join the Community Futures South Fraser Board of Directors.

As a volunteer Board member, you'll help guide our organization as we support entrepreneurs, strengthen small businesses, and contribute to the economic well-being of Chilliwack and Abbotsford communities.

We'd be excited to hear from applicants who:
• Believe in supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community economic development
• Bring experience in business, finance, governance, law, marketing, human resources, or community leadership
• Want to make a meaningful impact by helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed

You don't need to check every box to apply. If you're passionate about building stronger local communities, we'd love to hear from you.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with your network!

Learn more and apply at: southfraser.com/board-of-directors

07/20/2026

What happens when you give artists more than a workshop — you give them a community?

I'm so proud to share a new case study on facilitating year two of the Art Startup Challenge with Chilliwack Arts Council and Community Futures South Fraser & Self Employment Program.

Nine artists graduated with real plans for their creative businesses. Five pitched at Final Pitch Night. And some of the best outcomes weren't even part of the plan — participants hiring and referring each other for real, paid work long after the program ended.

This is why I do this work. Read the full story here: thriveandconnect.co/art-startup-challenge-case-study

A case study on how Thrive & Connect facilitated the Chilliwack Art Startup Challenge, helping emerging artists build trust, community, and sustainable creative businesses.

07/17/2026

07/12/2026

Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) are increasingly shaping online spaces and public discourse. This webinar offers a practical introduction to MDM—what it is, how it spreads, and why it matters. Participants will explore the impacts of MDM on 2SLGBTQI communities, including ...

07/10/2026

CALLING ALL LOCAL & EMERGING ARTISTS! 🎨✨
The Chilliwack Cultural Centre is currently accepting applications for two exciting solo exhibition opportunities in the Canadian Tire Lobby Mezzanine Gallery.

🏳️‍🌈 Q***r Arts Festival Exhibition
September 15 – October 31, 2026
We're seeking emerging and early-career Q***r artists working with wall-mounted mediums to present work exploring themes connected to Q***r experiences, community, relationships, activism, & more.

🕊️ BIRDY Exhibition
November 4, 2026 – January 6, 2027
Inspired by Hung Dance's powerful contemporary work BIRDY, we're looking for artists whose work engages with themes of power, control, freedom, identity, and resistance.

Both opportunities include:
✔️ A solo exhibition
✔️ A $200 artist honorarium
✔️ 85% commission on artwork sales
✔️ Complimentary show tickets

Applications close August 10, 2026 for both exhibitions.

Visit our website under "Art Galleries" → "Call for Artists" for the complete eligibility requirements, exhibition details, and our application form: https://www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/elementor-16868/
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07/07/2026

📢 We’re Hiring! 📢

Are you passionate about supporting young people and creating meaningful connections in your community?

We're looking for a Part-Time Mentoring Coordinator to join our team! This position will serve Hope, Agassiz, and Kent as we are expanding! This is an exciting opportunity to help empower youth through the life-changing impact of mentoring.

How to apply: Please submit your application in writing to [email protected]