The Funding Alberni Valley Arts Society (FAVAS) handed out its 2017 awards last month.
The non-profit organization was formed in 2014 with the intent of promoting and funding various arts and entertainment endeavours in the community. During their first year they received a loan to sponsor a contemporary dance and jazz dance workshop featuring renowned choreographers.
The loan enabled FAVAS to invite dancers from the Alberni Valley at no cost to participate.
Last year, FAVAS opened Second Position Dance Consignment, a consignment store located at Unit B – 4590 Helen Rd. in Port Alberni for dance-related clothing and items. Proceeds are donated back to the society to go towards awards, scholarships, bursaries, workshops, training and performance opportunities.
“At present, we are a very small group and would like to see the society grow so that we are able to provide even more to the youth in our community,” a FAVAS spokesperson said.
The society was able to award $700 in grants to five organizations this year: Mackenzie School of Dance PAC, Elite Dance PAC, Stage West PAC, Portal Players for Stages, Advanced Stages, Glee and Wee Glees, and Art Out of the Box (Ann Ostwald).
For more information about the society, visit the website at www.favassociety.com or on Facebook. For info on the consignment store, e-mail secondpositionbyfavas@gmail.com.