The Arts on Bowen

 All of the candidates will be falling over backwards to insist on how greatly we appreciate the Arts, and of the importance of fostering the arts on Bowen. The presence of the arts 'out there' is unmistakable, from Kitchen Junkets to recording studios, a full roster of exhibitions here at the gallery, at the library, in private galleries. Clay gets thrown, films get made. New players show up and put on occasional theatre, Morris dancers do their routines and various arts instructors ply their trades at well attended classes.

 To be truthful though, there have been only a few recent mileposts, such as the addending in the OCP of the Cultural Master Plan. Looking back on what I wrote between 2002 and 2005, the talk is eerily the same....

 * Referendum in 2006? 2007?- now 2008? 2009? 2010?

* CHAC endorses work of Civic Facilities Task Force- now CFWG

* Need to address funding, start building, opening dates delayed

However, there have been real successes:

 * CFWG conducted an enormous planning process. I attended 52 of 55 meetings as liaison with people who are the most dedicated volunteers I have ever worked with.

* The feasibility study and space needs program have been completed

* A location has been identified and set aside

* Next tangible steps- funding, schematics, hiring of project manager, have been costed and recommended

 The biggest 'win' of the process was to break down physical and viewpoint barriers between arts and recreation. The proposed community centre is to be just that- a centre of and for the community. The uses cross over, the spaces cross over. Never should there be an argument about who gets what, or us and them.

 Obviously we have had a lapse since May. That has not altered my determination to proceed. What we most need now is a public process to obtain consensus. We may not get a dream facility, but we must hone in one that meets our needs and makes us proud. This is the single most important project we could undertake in a generation that will actually build community. We can repave every road, have shiny fire trucks and a great sewer system- all laudable and to varying degrees necessary, but none will deliver the pride and functionality of a real community hall.

 Meanwhile, continued recognition of the Arts as an economic pillar and an uplifting element of Bowen needs to be emphasized repeatedly. Support for BIAC, Tir-na-Nog, and other arts organizations, not just via grants but built into our core budget. Continuation of special artistic events such as Voices in the Sound, the Fridge. Building more arts programming and classes. Establishment of a cultural commission, most likely in concert with a resurrected recreation commission, and eventually a facility management board, are things we should plan now, in the same way such administrative structures are being developed for affordable housing.

 Arts flourish when nurtured. It takes more than talented people, or buildings. It happens when a community recognizes the importance of the arts and deliberately plans for their inclusion as a cornerstone of community development. And Council carries that responsibility. I certainly do.