The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge has announced a new program that they hope will give local artists a boost when it comes to their live performances in the community.
The ‘AAC Sounds Around’ initiative will give artists and arts groups access to professional-grade, portable sound equipment for free.
Manager of engagement Will Big Bull says the program is being made possible thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.
“We received a grant for $12,000 to purchase a very high-quality, fully functional PA system that any one of our members with the AAC and our community members here in Sik-Ooh-Kotoki can use after they’ve gone through an orientation [session],” Big Bull explains.
Now with the funding secured, he says the next step for the AAC is to purchase the equipment, and the hope is to have the borrowing program running by spring 2026.
Big Bull adds individuals and groups will be able to borrow the full system, or just individual components needed for their event.
“It can be used for such a wide range of events – speaking events, DJ events, all the way up to a full-scale band [concert], if needed,” he says.
“It’s just unreasonable for them [artists] to be spending a few hundred dollars, all the way up to $1,000 sometimes, for a PA system and a sound [person]. So, if they can access our services and utilize this system and save a few dollars, then that helps advance their career here within our arts community and that’s what we’re all about.”
Big Bull says he will offer training to those who borrow the equipment, to ensure they are comfortable with it before using it in the field.
“We’re very excited to be rolling out this project and it’s going to be something that I think everybody in Sik-Ooh-Kotoki is going to benefit from.”
MEMBERSHIP
Big Bull invites community members to sign up with the AAC, adding the council hosts various professional development events.
He notes membership is free, and those interested can learn more on the AAC website.
