The Community Arts Council of Fort St James was established in 1979 by a group of dedicated volunteers and continues to be driven by volunteers as a means to foster arts and culture in the Fort St James area. The not-for-profit organization was originally established around the belief that the arts would serve in bringing together community members to provide social enjoyment and entertainment.

The early years of the Arts Council focused on presenting professional musical touring artists, offering four concerts a year. The CAC was also instrumental in presenting to the communities – an Annual Music Festival, visual art exhibits, community visual and performing arts, visiting authors, workshops and a Children’s Summer Music Camp.

As community interest began to shift, the Arts Council shifted with them and its programming to meet the needs, which included having a physical space to work from.

In 2013 CAC and community volunteers began renovating the ‘old court’ house at 675 Birch Street to become the Arts Council’s permanent home.

The result of three years and many volunteer hours resulted in the opening of Pope Mountain Arts in 2016. This site has become a vibrant community hub, where people of all ages can and do enjoy being immersed in a wide range of art genres, through workshops, programs and events. We have a small gallery and host 2 – 3 Art Exhibits per year.

In 2017 the Weaving/Fibre Arts Studio opened on the top floor and the Pottery Studio opened the spring of 2022.