Public-private partnership showcases Sḵwx̱wú7mesh land-based knowledge while bolstering local artisan entrepreneurs
Skwxwu7mesh Úxwumixw Territory, Gibsons – A new community garden, gathering space, and cultural destination is set to enrich the Sunshine Coast’s cultural landscape while boosting the local economy.
The Sunshine Coast Arts Council is launching Fibre Farm at Persephone Brewing, a community placemaking initiative located in Gibsons. The Farm will revitalize underused agricultural land at Persephone Brewing into a vibrant artist residency space, fibre and textile garden, and an accessible outdoor gathering space for workshops, cultural programming, and community events.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing this space to life,” said Sadira Rodrigues, Director of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council. “Fibre Farm embodies the very best of our region as a celebration of art, culture, nature, Indigenous knowledge, and the spirit of community.”
The project will centre Indigenous knowledge and leadership, working directly with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Elders and artists to facilitate the sharing of land-based cultural practices.
“We will weave stories, songs, cultural elements and earth / water /sky together as community,” said T’uy’t”tanat-Cease Wyss, lead artist for the project. “The land will always teach us what we need to go forward in our lives. Community engaged projects are built by all of those willing to articulate in the work that will become part of their communities.”
“Persephone Brewing is a beloved business in Gibsons,” said Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill. “Besides the brewery, they offer a farmer’s market, community food boxes, and support a non-profit literary society. And now – the Fibre Farm. I’m so glad they are partnering with the Sunshine Coast Arts Council to bring such a vibrant, community-minded project to this space. It’s another great reason to drop by Persephone!”
In addition to programming, the Farm will host artisan markets and seasonal events related to fibre arts. Marketplace events will give local artisans, farmers, weavers, and other fibre and textile practitioners the opportunity to sell their work, reach new audiences, and amplify a unique and thriving industry in the region.
Inclusion is a core principle of the project and the space is being co-designed with local accessibility advocates to become the first fully-accessible outdoor cultural garden space in Gibsons. Work on the project is expected to be completed spring 2026.
Organizers anticipate the Farm will deliver significant cultural and economic benefits. The initiative is projected to lead to the creation of two new businesses and support the expansion of 10 others, while creating four temporary jobs and 10 permanent volunteer positions. It will also provide low-barrier, cost-effective vendor and market access for rural artists, fibre artisans, and agri-food producers.
“The Trust is proud to join this public-private partnership and invest in Fibre Farm, an innovative initiative that will create a vibrant public space, directly generating new business activity for local artisan entrepreneurs, the Arts Council, and Persephone Brewing,” said Brodie Guy, CEO of Island Coastal Economic Trust. “By fostering economic prosperity, strengthening cultural vitality, and empowering local connections, Fibre Farm is poised to be an inspiring and legacy-building project for the Sunshine Coast.”
Island Coastal Economic Trust is partnering with Sunshine Coast Arts Council with a $35,000 investment in the new Fibre Farm through the Community Placemaking program. The project will see just over $70,000 invested into the local economy surrounding the community of Gibsons. The project aligns with the Trust’s Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses Investment Priority.
For more information visit: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/community-placemaking/sunshine-coast-fibre-farm/.
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About Island Coastal Economic Trust
Island Coastal Economic Trust is the regional development organization founded by the Province of British Columbia under the North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust Act to serve Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. We partner with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and non-profits to drive prosperity and diversify the coastal economy through strategic economic investments. Over $406 million in direct new investment has been attracted to coastal B.C. through our partnerships since 2006. We believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships that unite people, communities, sectors, and resources. As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
The Trust’s mandate has been to support economic diversification and growth across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (see Our Region). Serving more than half a million residents, the Trust partners with communities in the development and financing of their economic Infrastructure and diversification efforts through a unique structure that is led by and accountable to communities.
Media Contacts:
Kyle Wells
Manager, Communications and Impact
Island Coastal Economic Trust
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Sadira Rodrigues
Director
Sunshine Coast Arts Council
sadira@sunshinecoastartscouncil.com
604-885-5412
