Since 1980, the Whidbey Island Arts Council (WIAC) has served as a vital hub for the island’s creative ecosystem. True to its mission—“to foster local artists and arts organizations through grants, fiscal management and sponsorship to provide outreach and awareness of the arts and culture on Whidbey Island”—WIAC has quietly empowered dozens of local projects behind the scenes.
This year, the all-volunteer organization completed a much-needed digital upgrade, modernizing its website to better support the artists and programs it serves. With support from a Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant, WIAC transitioned from an outdated web hosting platform to a streamlined, user-friendly Squarespace site—improving both accessibility and long-term sustainability.
The migration was led by local firm Dragonfly Visual Media & Design, which provided technical support, design expertise, and training to WIAC board members. The result was a more intuitive and functional website, featuring tools for online forms, engagement analytics, and event promotion—all essential for a fiscal sponsor with growing visibility and reach.
This project directly supports WIAC’s expanding portfolio of fiscally sponsored programs, which now includes Create Space Langley, Island Bohemians, Island Strings, Langley Arts Fund, Meander Dance Collective, Soundspace at Earth Sanctuary, Whidbey Art Market, Whidbey Art Trail, Whidbey Island Music Festival, Whidbey Island Sculpture Experience, Whidbey Swordplay Association, and Whidbey Working Artists. These programs reflect the remarkable breadth of Whidbey’s arts community—spanning everything from visual and performing arts to heritage fencing and public installations.
The website upgrade also complements WIAC’s broader communications efforts, including its media partnership with Cascade PBS, and positions the organization to better connect with funders, artists, donors, and the wider public. For a nonprofit with no paid staff, this strategic investment was both timely and transformative.
Looking ahead, WIAC is focused on deepening community connections, reducing barriers to participation, and showing up in more visible and celebratory ways to support creative work across the island. There’s a strong desire among board members to keep space for joy and experimentation—reminding us that the arts are not just functional, but inspirational. With its digital infrastructure now aligned with its mission, WIAC is well-positioned for a year of expanded engagement and creative momentum.
Explore the new website or learn more at www.islandartscouncil.org.
Support Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grants
WCF’s Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grant Program strengthens the internal operations of Whidbey Island nonprofits, ensuring they have the tools to grow and sustain their impact. By funding staff and board development, technology upgrades, financial planning, and strategic assessments, WCF helps organizations build long-term resilience. Investing in organizational infrastructure rather than direct program costs allows nonprofits to operate more effectively and expand their impact in the community.
WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting the Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grant Program, we invite you to make a contribution to WCF’s Foundation Fund, which holistically supports our grant programs, nonprofit trainings/workshops, and WCF operations. Our Board of Directors allocates funding each year to ensure nonprofits have access to critical resources. WCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to Whidbey Island; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Learn about different ways to make a charitable contribution here.