| Arts & Community Development Workshops were a Success |
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The next few years are certain to be challenging ones for many BC communities. The impact of the global economic situation is already being felt in every sector and throughout the province. It is a time for local organizations to seek innovative solutions to new challenges. For the arts, it represents an opportunity to foster the creative partnerships needed for solution-based thinking across economic, social and cultural interests.
What can Arts Councils and other arts organizations do? What sort of programming and outreach activities can assist in fostering new partnerships in a community? In what areas can arts organizations look to expand? In partnership with 2010 Legacies Now, and in cooperation with regional and community arts councils, the Assembly of BC Arts Councils offered local workshops for community arts and other organizations to help address some of these issues. The Arts & Community Development workshops were day long, facilitated workshops designed as an introduction to the basics of community development, with a focus on the role that the arts can play in stimulating local partnerships and development activity. Workshops included:
and explored such elements as:
The workshop was not just intended for those working in the arts and culture sector. Anyone interested in exploring the role the arts play in developing communities, including contributing to ‘quality-of-life’ issues, including those engaged in social service, education, health and other community based service sectors could gain from this workshop. Participants came away with a clearer picture of community needs and how arts organizations can join with other sectors to address those needs. They learned the language and developed the tools for building community relationships and fostering new partnerships. And they began work on an action plan for local change using the arts as a catalyst. See the article in the Quesnel Observer about the workshop held there. Ken was also interviewed by Quesnel's Cable 10 Wednesday Night show.
See article about the 2008 pilot project for this program. The Facilitator The Arts and Community Development workshops are led by Ken Blackburn. Ken holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Queen's University and a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Windsor. He has extensive experience in development issues, including 10 years spent working internationally. As an active artist, Ken is passionate about the role the arts can play in addressing the educational, social and economic challenges facing many communities. Ken is currently the Executive Director of the Campbell River Arts Council and the Public Program Coordinator for the Museum at Campbell River. We would like to thank the Province of British Columbia and 2010 Legacies Now for their support of the Arts and Community Development program.
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