Pipers and spinners, actors and musicians - about 16 local arts groups turned out last Saturday to the Seaside Centre to show and tell to the public in an open house organized by the Sechelt's Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee. The event was timed for last week's ninth annual Arts and Culture week in B.C., - a provincial government sponsored promotion that spotlights the arts. The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) and the SC Arts Council (SCAC) joined forces to present information about their activities and show a video on the Purple Banner Tour, as filmed by Coast Cable's Marlene Lowden. CCA director Jan Jensen said the brochure that describes how visitors can take the Purple Banner journey through the Coast's studios and galleries was crammed full with entries.
"Next year we'll have to double the size," she said. The two groups had been working together on a joint grant funding proposal designed to kick start last year's comprehensive Regional Cultural Strategy report.
"We're pursuing what we can do together to make sure it happens," said Jensen.
Tracy Wright of the Arts Council felt they were gaining momentum. But Jensen expressed her opinion that local governments must talk to one another regarding the arts.
"We need more communication," she said. "There's only a certain number of dollars. If you work together you get more value for your dollars and more effective use of everyone's energy."
Open house attendance from the general public was sparse, but members of the many groups enjoyed the chance for networking.
Jane Hodgson of the SC Spinners and Weavers Guild spun the afternoon away and outlined the group's involvement in this year's Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival (GLFAF) where they will be teaching a course. GLFAF organizers were also on hand. President Nicki Grafton was pleasantly surprised that when enrolment for the August festival opened on May 1, several workshops filled up immediately. Jane Davidson of the Festival of the Written Arts previewed the 26th annual line-up of authors including Michael Ondaatje and Chantal Hebert and said tickets go on sale May 21.
A piper from the Pender Harbour Legion Pipe Band serenaded the room briefly. The group seeks interested people to learn the Scottish Highland bagpipes or join in on drums. Many of the theatre groups are also looking for more members, both as actors and to work backstage.
"We need more men," said one volunteer with the Peninsula Players who perform in dinner theatre twice a year. The Panto-Musica Society is also looking for volunteers for their annual Christmas pantomime, and they point out that it's a good chance for the family extrovert to channel his or her energies into a fun performance. Children are a big part of every panto; participation builds confidence and trains children in performing arts.
Heritage was well represented by a group who has compiled the history of the pioneer building, Rockwood Lodge, and by both the Sechelt Community Archives and the Coast's Museum.
The Gibsons-based museum flagged their exterior mural unveiling that will take place on May 17, George and Charlotte Gibson Day.
The provincial government that sponsors the week through the B.C. Arts Councils said the arts and culture sector employs over 63,000 people in communities across the province. The film and television industry alone brings in $2.82 billion. Schools with strong arts programs cite improved attendance and student motivation, renewed community participation and increased graduation rates.
