Express your feelings about art
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: September 28, 2009 10:00 AM
Editor, The Record:
How important is art to you? Can it affect social change? If you care about the arts in Mission feel free to answer the survey at the link at the bottom of this letter.
After a recent AGM meeting the members of the Mission Arts Council were split into three factions, some of us hovering between in the trenches.
On one side was the board of enthusiastic newly elected people, on another side the long-standing volunteers who have opened up the gallery/gift shop and worked at events through thick and thin over the years. In the middle were a handful of members that have their own arts businesses and representatives of organizations for the arts.
Since funding cuts in August, staff has been laid off, and the possible move from the heritage house looms. Some volunteers complained of a financial report that showed how much better off the offices were if kept there in the house. However, this decision is volunteer dependent and at this point the volunteers are depleted. They are calling for more options.
If you always do what you always done, you always get what you always got. This is a fantastic opportunity for change.
Can the arts council actually expand its roof into the umbrella organization it wants to be? Can the past be passed? Can we all move on in a unified move to "Unite the arts in Mission?"
This is a critical time, said a few members. If we allow monetary cuts from the government to stop what is the lifeblood of a town, that is sad, in one artist's opinion. This can be a time when we all can rally for what is truly important. What truly builds community is connection? The arts connect. Compassion connects too. If we, who can face a blank canvas with expectancy, crumble in the face of possibilities, what hope is left? This is a time to invent life sustaining movements and affiliations, but I may just be a dreamer.
I can see the arts council becoming a organization that is a professional promotor, a savvy, current of contemporary multi-cultural Ideas and tips for marketing all the talent we have in this town to a global market.
Does Mission really want an art gallery? Do the people here want to be known for their cultural gifts? How does the Mission Arts Council serve to follow its mandate? How can it work more effectively? Why is there not more support for the arts in this very talented town of writers, actors, dancers, poets, filmmakers, traditional artisans and cutting edge contemporary cultural creatives? Are the local people ready to jump in and sponsor more art?
You can answer more on an online survey found here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=k6admiDNBan9zIMQf5nqGg_3d_3d.
Information will be sent to the CRC and arts council to use as they see fit.
Carolyn Dawn Good
Mission
v2
