Your Questions – Answered
Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
Artists
Can’t host a festival without artists! Here are some questions (and answers) to get you going…
What kind of Artists are you looking for?
ArtsWells is the festival of ALL THINGS ART! That means we showcase music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts, film and media arts, community arts and so much more!
Are you taking applications for 2025?
At this time we are not formally accepting artist applications. Artists are welcome to reach out to artswellsfestival@imarts.com with links to their work and background, however due to the amount of applications received and the priority list that we are working through, we are unable to facilitate every request.
For 2025, we’ve worked to support artists we didn’t have the opportunity to support in 2024 due to the postponement. We will be learning a lot with our new dates after our first year back in person in nearly 6 years, but it is our plan to open applications for 2026 in the fall.
Do you have opportunities for artists at other times during the year?
You betcha, bud. ArtsWells is one weekend during the year, but Wells is here 24/7, 365! In addition to other programming that Island Mountain Arts puts through our artist residence, gallery, workshops and artist projects, we’re happy to connect for special concerts and events on the weekends in all 4 seasons!
Arriving at ArtsWells
Know before you go!
When can I arrive to the festival?
Our “gates” open officially for Patrons at 3:00 PM on Friday June 27th!
Where do I go when I first get to Wells?
FRIDAY
On Friday between 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM, pull off into the Wells Visitor Information Centre Parking Lot (at the Wells end of the Jack o’ Clubs Lake). This is where our Outer Box Office is located. There, you will be greeted by our Outer Box Office Team. They will set you up with your weekend festival wristband, and will direct you further for camping and parking.
If you will be arriving outside of those hours, please park in the gravel lot off of Pooley Street and walk up to the Super Booth located behind Island Mountain Arts to sort your Festival Wristbands.
SATURDAY
On Saturday between 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM, pull off into the Wells Visitor Information Centre Parking Lot (at the Wells end of the Jack o’ Clubs Lake). This is where our Outer Box Office is located. There, you will be greeted by our Outer Box Office Team. They will set you up with your weekend or Saturday festival wristband, and will direct you further for camping and/or parking.
If you are arriving after 2:00 PM, please park in the gravel lot off of Pooley Street and walk up to the Super Booth located behind Island Mountain Arts to sort your Festival Wristbands.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, Outer box office will be closed. Please park in the gravel lot off of Pooley Street and walk up to the Super Booth located behind Island Mountain Arts to sort your Festival Wristbands.
Camping
Rustic. Natural. Leave-no-trace. Everything you wanted to know about camping in Wells…
When do camping passes go on sale?
ArtsWells related camping passes go on-sale with the first round of early-bird tickets.
What are your camping locations?
ArtsWells uses the Meadow Campground, located behind the RCMP detachment on the north side of the Barkerville Highway. Please note that if you are tenting, your car may not be parked directly beside your tent.
How do camping passes work?
Camping passes are purchased in addition to your festival ticket.
Car and Tent Camping passes are $40.00 for the weekend. Each car/tent pass includes 1 camping wristband (single occupancy)
If you have 2 people in your tent, you would need to purchase a tent camping pass and an additional camping wristband ($20.00 for the weekend).
Where do I get my camping pass?
Camping passes are purchased in addition to your festival ticket.
Car and Tent Camping passes are $40.00 for the weekend. Each car/tent pass includes 1 camping wristband (single occupancy)
If you have 2 people in your tent, you would need to purchase a tent camping pass and an additional camping wristband ($20.00 for the weekend).
What should I bring with me to camp?
Wells is 1,200m above sea-level. As a mountain town, you better believe we get mountain weather! This means that the evenings can get quite cold, and rain is a very real possibility. Make sure you come prepared for all temperatures and all weather – this could look like groundsheets, tarps, appropriate footwear and properly-rates sleeping bags. The majority of our venues are either indoors or covered, but all camping is outside.
One of the joys of being in rural spaces is active interfacing with wilderness! but it’s important to be wildlife aware. Wells is an area that has an active bear, fox and ground-squirrel population. Festival Guests are expected to observe appropriate food storage (such as removing food and other attractants from your tent) and proper waste disposal at all times. Learn more about being “bear aware” here.
Media
Independent newsmakers – take note…
Do y’all give out media passes?
Beb, we gotta tell ya that ArtsWells is itty-bitty, teeny-tiny, and we have SUPER limited capacity to host members of the media, be they from podcasts, radio, tv, youtube channels, papers, blogs, or niche subscription-based snail-mail services (that’s a thing, right?). That said, we do have some limited space for select members of the media.
I’m a blogger/youtuber/journalist/podcaster – how do I get invited to your festival?
Send us an email, tell us a bit about your work, how many days you’d like to come to the festival, and give us some links to follow up with! If it feels like a good fit, we’ll provide you with a non-transferable media pass (similar to a festival wristband).
If you’re looking to join us for 2025, please get in touch with us by May 31st, 2025 by sending an email to artswellsfestival@imarts.com with the subject line “MEDIA”
I sent you my hardest hitting journalism but you never got back to me – what gives?
We’re super grateful for the time and energy it take to put yourself and your work out there, and we will do our best to get back to all media requests. If you don’t hear back from us, it’s likely that we’re already working with someone that works in a similar realm as you.
Sponsorship & Support
It takes a village and more to make it happen – help us out!
I want to sponsor the festival – what does that mean?
Sponsorship and support for the festival comes in all shapes and sizes. They are a great opportunity to work together with ArtsWells to meet your business’s marketing goals while supporting the arts! You can take a look at ArtsWells’ 2025 Sponsorship package here.
Who were your sponsors & donors in 2024?
Visit www.artswells.com/support to see a healthy dose of funders, Cariboo/Fraser-Fort George Businesses and Individuals that made the fest possible!
What’s the difference between a sponsorship and a donation?
Sponsorship provides what’s known as an “advantage” to your businesses – basically, in exchange for your contribution to ArtsWells, the festival provides marketing and branding opportunities. Donations have no advantage (though we do provide acknowledgement in out program and on our website), but come with the added bonus of a tax receipt.
Here’s a riveting article from the Canadian government that details the nuance between the two.
Tickets
how do I do it? what do i do? how do i do this? just tell me what to do from the start…
How, where and when do I get my tickets?
How and Where: We sell our tickets through islandmountainarts.tickit.ca! that means you pick them up online! This is the only endorsed way of getting your ticket to ArtsWells.
When: Your best bet is to follow Island Mountain Arts and ArtsWells social media channels. The first round of Equinox Early Bird Tickets for 2025 will go out on March 3rd at 10:00 AM.
What do I need to bring for proof of my ticket purchase?
You need to bring a print out or digital copy on scannable device (ex. downloaded to a tablet or smartphone) that shows your purchase with the bar code. A piece of ID is also always helpful!
How do I exchange my ticket for a wristband?
After scanning, your ticket can be exchanged for a wristband. Once a ticket has been scanned, it will not be useable again.
Where is your box office located?
We will have two Box Office Locations over the course of the Weekend.
The Outer Box Office is located in the Visitors Information Centre parking Lot on your way into town (The Wells side of the Jack o’ Clubs Lake).
OUTER BOX OFFICE HOURS
FRIDAY from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
SATURDAY from 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
NO OUTER BOX OFFICE ON SUNDAY
The Super Booth Box Office is located behind Island Mountain Arts
SUPER BOOTH BOX OFFICE HOURS
FRIDAY from 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
SATURDAY from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
SUNDAY from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
I bought a ticket for my friend, but we are arriving at different times – what do I do?
You can use the Secure Ticket Transfer System in advance if you will be arriving without your entire party.
Use great care if picking up wristbands for your full party – once issued, a wristband cannot be replaced if lost.
I have young people in my life under the age of 11 – can they come to the festival?
Oh heck yeah. Children under 11 are free. But they need to be associated with a guardian, and you still need to get them a free ticket online so we have them accounted for in our overall numbers!
I lost my wristband – what do I do?
We’re really sorry that this has happened. Unfortunately, we are unable to reissue wristbands. Make sure you treat them like cash.
I can’t make it to the festival any more, can you give me a refund?
We’re really sorry that you can’t make it anymore. Unfortunately, tickets to ArtsWells are non-refundable.
I can’t make it anymore, can I give my friend my ticket?
You’re a generous friend. You can learn more about tickit’s secure ticket transfer service here: https://demo.tickit.ca/transfers. Please note that ArtsWells will only activate reselling capabilities through tickit if the full festival has been sold out.
Can I bring my dog/cat/familiar?
For the safety of our festival-goers and natural wildlife, no pets are permitted within the ArtsWells Festival grounds or camping areas. This decision was made with the utmost concern for the health and well being of both dogs and participants. As fellow participants and animal lovers, we thank you for understanding and implementing this policy.
If you have a pet the best thing to do is to plan ahead and find a pet-sitter, family member or friend, veterinarian’s kennel or boarding facility near home that you have visited and feel comfortable with.
Vendors
Sweet treats, artistic wares, unique gifts and services. Here are some questions we tend to get when it comes to our vendors village…
When will vendor applications open?
2025 Vendor applications are open now! Visit www.artswells.com/vendors
What kind of vending fees do you charge?
Vendor spaces come in the following connfigurations:
10’x10′ – $250.00
10’x20′ – $400.00
Vending Space – Vendors are responsible for their own tents, chairs and tables.
Vendors are responsible for supplying their own own extension cords, cables and adapters for your power requirements. 110v and very limited 220v plug-ins are available. Costs are outlined in the application forms.
Can vendors bring pets?
Pets are not permitted on the grounds of the vendors village, in venues, or in IMA campsites. Please plan accordingly.
Where do vendors stay?
Vendors will be offered camping access in close proximity to the vendor’s village. Vendors are also permitted to sleep in their vending area.
Volunteers
We can’t do what we do without people like you! Volunteering gives you all the warm fuzzy feelings that come from contributing to something larger than yourself. Read on for some frequently asked q’s…
What kind of positions do you have for volunteering?
Volunteer positions require a minimum of 12 hours on shift to qualify for a free ticket. A deposit of $75.00 is taken upon arrival for your volunteer position, and reimbursed upon successful completion of your total time spent.
Why do you charge a $75.00 deposit?
In an effort to reduce no-shows for volunteer shifts during the ArtsWells Festival, we’re asking folks to make a deposit of $75.00. This deposit will be reimbursed once the minimum 12 hours of volunteer duty are completed. The 12 or more hours will be divided into shifts throughout the festival (shift assignment will follow, based on your answers to this survey!) If volunteers do not complete the minimum 12 hours, the $75.00 deposit will be withheld by IMA.
If this deposit is a barrier to you, please message volunteer@imarts.com and we will try to make an accommodation.
What sort of perks do volunteers get
Volunteers are supported with free camping, and are the guests of honour at our festival wrap up party Sunday evening, which includes a dinner!
Local Information
Living in Wells? Read on for details about road closures, obtaining signs, locals tickets and more!
Where can I grab local Tickets?
Locals tickets can be purchased through the following link.
https://islandmountainarts.tickit.ca/9da00879cf52778873cd
We can also help you out with purchasing tickets to ArtsWells if you visit the IMA Gallery during our drop-in hours!
Thurs. June 19 from 12PM – 8PM
Saturday June 21 from 4PM – 8PM
Sunday June 22 from 4PM – 8PM
You can also call IMA at 250 994 3466 or email us at artswellsfestival@imarts.com
What will street closures look like in Wells?
Island Mountain Arts will be facilitating road closures along Pooley Street from the Blair st. side of the Wells Hotel to the Jones st. side of Island Mountain Arts, and along Sanders Ave from Pooley St to Baker Street. Barricades will be moveable to allow residents and businesses directly impacted by the road closure to move within the space. All other roads will be accessible to local traffic. Please email or call Island Mountain Arts at 250 994 3466 if you have any questions.
I would like signage to deter parking/camping around my property.
No problem! Call us at 250 994 3466 or send us an email at artswellsfestival@imarts.com with your address and what you would like, OR drop into IMA and sign up for signs in person!
OTHER
Here’s a bunch of other stuff that you might be interested in knowing…
It’s my first time – what do I need to pack??
We can’t wait to see you here Wells! We’re grateful to be gathering together on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dene. This is a Traditional-use area of the Dakelh and Secwépemc Peoples.
We’ve developed a handy-dandy list of what to bring! 
Refillable Waterbottle. We recommend you bring a bit of your own water supply, as Wells has a limited water table! Water bottles (refillable or recyclable), electrolytes, or whatever else you need to stay hydrated.Layers. It can get cold at night in the mountains! Plan for rain, sunshine and everything in between.BUG SPRAY! It’s June in the mountains and let us tell you, the bugs can be ruthless!Sunscreen! You will be outside for the majority of the day, and even on cloudy days a sunburn is possible.Umbrella. The possibility of rain over the weekend is very high. Also think about a rain jacket, rubber boots/waterproof shoes, rain ponchos, extra socks etc.Cash! There are a couple ATMs in Wells, but they may not be able to keep up with the demand of all the extra people in town. Bring enough cash for any meals, merch, art and souvenirs you want to buy. Mobile/internet coverage may be spotty so we recommend bringing cash rather than relying on digital. Comfy Shoes or Boots. ArtsWells is a walking festival. We ask you to park and lock your car for the day/weekend and walk the festival grounds, so having comfy and dry feet will make your experience that much better. Think versatile and weather appropriate.Ear plugs. Especially if you’re sensitive to noise, we will have live music playing everyday.Medications, any and all you need. Wells is a small, small place, 80 km away from the closest hospital, so make sure you come prepared!A Full Tank of Gas. With only one gas station in Wells, we recommend that you fuel up in Quesnel on your way in. 2 Pieces of ID are required for alcohol service at any licensed venues. Please note that the Wells Hotel Pub is a 19+ venue at all times.
Optional:Power bank, for charging your phone and other devices. Although we do encourage you to put your phone away and live in the moment!Your Festival Best. Although being warm and comfortable is top priority, what better opportunity to show off your style, wear that thrifted fur coat, or an upcycled prom dress you never get to wear?A Bike. Wells is a small town, and bikes can be a helpful way to get around from stages to campgrounds. Cyclists, please dismount on Sanders Ave.
If you’re Camping:
Please make sure you have the proper camping passes purchased!
If you are staying in a tent or in your car in the Meadows campground, a camping wristband is not enough!
Email artswellsfestival@imarts.com if you have any questions or need any clarifications! A tent or car depending on what camping pass you purchased. Any place to rest your head and (hopefully) get some sleep. Bring a sleeping bag, and extra blankets, make it comfy! Mosquito coils, bug spray etc. It’s June in the mountains, and the bugs can get really nasty, especially in the evenings.Camping chairs. For sitting of course! Tarps, rope, etc. A dry camp is a happy camp, and having weather resistant options is a necessity, no soggy socks are allowed! Make sure you have tent pegs too – the wind can get heavy up here in the mountains. Decor! Solar lights/fairy lights, tapestries, anything to mark your tent. Just be mindful to leave no trace and pack out what you pack in!Flashlight. To find your way back to camp!Hygiene products. There won’t be public showers, but things like wipes, deodorant, toothbrush, lip balm, hand sanitizer, etc. are handy!A towel. Helpful with the anticipated rain, and especially helpful if you go for a swim in Willow River. The swimming hole is off the boardwalk in the Community Forest, accessible from Dawson Street.
What Stays at Home:
Pets. We know you love your furry friends but there are no pets allowed in the festival venues, in the Vendors Village or in ArtsWells camping areas.
Firearms or weapons of any kind.
Illegal substances. The festival is taking place in a PUBLIC space, including children being present, so for the safety of everyone, DO NOT bring any illegal substances, or weapons of any kind.
Fireworks, drones, laser pointers. ArtsWells takes place in a small town and we want to be respectful to the people who live here while also preventing wildfires as best as we can.
Glass. No glass beverage containers, and please keep all alcohol in designated areas only.
What kind of items are prohibited at ArtsWells?
ArtsWells takes place in a community, and we ask that you be a respectful neighbour while you are here. Alcoholic beverages outside of designated areas, illegal substances, glass, fireworks and other explosives, amplified music, print materials for distribution, pets, laser pointers, firearms/weapons, sky lanterns, drones, or any other item as deemed inappropriate by ArtsWells staff and security is prohibited. Violation of these conditions may result in refusal of admission or ejection without refund.
