Membership // Take your place in 2026!

Community built. Artist run. The Alternator is Kelowna's home for practicing artists and the communities that support them.

This summer, we are celebrating our community through 20 Faces — a series of member spotlights shared throughout the campaign — while opening our doors to new members through 20 Places. If you've been thinking about joining, now is a great time: our membership drive runs from June 6 to August 15, and new members who join through a referral will be entered into a draw for an exclusive 2026 Membership Perk.

Ground Your Practice. Expand Your Network.

Membership at the Alternator is more than just access to a space—it is an investment in your artistic career and a direct connection to Kelowna’s contemporary arts ecology. Whether you are an emerging creator, an established professional, or a supporter of contemporary culture, your membership actively shapes our collective community.

Our ongoing 20 Faces // 20 Places initiative is a testament to this thriving network. This year, we are welcoming new voices to collaborate, share, and grow. Join a membership community of 150+ practicing artists who call the Alternator home.

Visit our 20 Faces // 20 Places spotlight to meet some of our current members and experience the incredible diversity of identities, mediums, and perspectives that define the Alternator community. See how your own practice can find a home here. 

What Your Membership Includes:

• Exhibition Opportunities: Submit your work to the Members' Gallery and members-only project calls — a direct path to showing your work in a professional gallery context.

• Community & Peer Connection: Connect with 150+ fellow Alternator members through workshops, collaborative events, and a supportive peer network.

• Visibility & Promotion: Opportunities to be featured across the Alternator's social media, newsletters, and digital platforms — putting your practice in front of our broader community.

• Discounts & Voting Rights: Reduced rates on workshops and events, plus full voting privileges at our AGM — giving you a say in the Alternator's future direction.

Membership Rates

We offer a variety of membership options to suit different needs and budgets, all designed to give you access to our incredible community and resources.

• Individual Membership ($50): Perfect for a single artist or art enthusiast looking to engage with the Alternator community and take advantage of our diverse offerings.

• Senior / Student Membership ($35): A discounted rate for seniors and students, making our vibrant community and resources more accessible.

• Family Membership ($90): Extend the benefits of Alternator membership to your entire household! This tier is ideal for families who want to explore and engage with art together.

• Organization Membership ($150): Designed for local arts organizations, collectives, or businesses that wish to partner with the Alternator and support the broader Kelowna art scene. This tier offers enhanced collaboration opportunities and visibility.

Alternatively, if financial contribution is a barrier, you can also volunteer with us in lieu of payment! We believe in accessible engagement and welcome your time and passion to support our mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join at any time of year? Yes! Membership is open year-round, and your membership runs for 12 months from the date you join. If you sign up during our June 6 – August 15 membership drive and join through a referral, you'll also be entered into a draw for an exclusive 2026 Membership Perk.

How do I submit work to the Members' Gallery? The Members' Gallery is an un-juried exhibition space open exclusively to Alternator members — and you don't need to be a professional artist to participate. Simply express your interest and you'll be added to our list; we contact members in list order to schedule exhibition dates, with around 12 exhibitions per year. For full details on the submission process, visit our Members' Gallery page.

What happens when my membership expires? Your membership will automatically renew after 12 months — but don't worry, we'll send you a reminder notice before any charges are made so you can review your intentions. If you'd prefer not to auto-renew, you can opt out at any time. And if your membership does lapse, you'll remain affiliated with the Alternator for an additional 12 months as a member not in good standing, giving you plenty of time to reconnect.

Can I volunteer instead of paying? Yes! If financial contribution is a barrier, we welcome you to join as a volunteer member. Simply select the Volunteer Membership option on our registration page and we'll reach out personally to discuss onboarding and upcoming volunteer opportunities. A contribution of 12 or more hours of volunteer time earns you a full year of membership, including all the benefits of a paid membership.

I'm not based in Kelowna — can I still be a member? Absolutely! We have members from across Canada who participate in a range of Alternator activities including online programming, the Postcard Project (submissions can be mailed in), and Members' Gallery exhibitions for those able to travel to Kelowna for installation. If you're outside the region, membership is still a meaningful way to connect with our community and stay engaged with what's happening at the Alternator.

Know someone who should join?

Refer a friend and you'll both be entered into a draw to win an exclusive 2026 Membership Perk. Just mention your referral in the registration notes when you sign up — it's that simple.

“The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art represents something deeply important within the Okanagan arts community: a space where experimentation, contemporary dialogue, and artistic risk are genuinely welcomed.

For artists working outside conventional expectations, spaces like the Alternator create room for curiosity, evolution, and critical engagement.”

- Painter, Alternator Member

Volunteering with Alternator allows you to make a contribution to the local arts community, gain practical experience in a professional artist-run centre and network with artists.

Plus, your contribution of 12 or more hours of volunteer work gets you an Alternator membership for a year! This encompasses all the privileges of a full member, including access to the Members’ Gallery.

For more information about volunteering at the Alternator visit Do Some Good.

Keep up to date with openings, opportunities for artists and other events.