ARTS CORNER: Changes in New Westminster are opportunities to be seized
Previously I have written about the work of the Arts Council and its quest to broaden community impact, through increased sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
In truth, collaborating to survive restricted funding is the value the smart manager adopts.
The sands are shifting in New Westminster.
Fresh faces and new executive directors for some of the long-time organizations in town could suggest even more opportunity might exist to collaborate in greater and grander ways.
New energy and ideas are the stuff of change and shouldn’t be rebuffed. Tradition has its place but to embrace change and new ways of doing the important work which we non-profits do is to also move positively forward.
New Westminster must first be aware of its own “not for profit” history. There are so many excellent groups providing important arts services.
In fact, using the metaphor of the Royal City, I would refer to these many non profits as Jewels in the Crown and laud each and every one for the spectacular work and community commitment each has maintained over many years.
It is always ill advised to start such a list and not name everyone but to bravely name a few of these “jewels” I would have to acknowledge the work of the Massey Theatre Society, Royal City Musical Theatre, Vagabond Theatre, New West Symphony, and of course Hyack, Fraser River Discovery Centre and our own Arts Council of New Westminster.
Some of us have been around a long time. And yes, we have all variously reinvented ourselves many times.
But through all the funding struggles, the repositioning and rebranding, the good and solid work in the community has not been ignored.
The arts in New Westminster have been very well served.
But just now, I’m thinking of the opportunities which local changes are bringing.
Collaboration can make an event into a festival and sometimes “go big or go home” might sound just right.
But in the process, let us not forget to honour the small gestures and significant programmes we have all offered to our community.
Working together has value only when a vision of the goal is maintained. Taking a closer look at where we have come from will inform our goals and where we need to go.
• Rick Carswell is president of the Arts Council of New Westminster.
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