Editor:
It was shocking reading of the committee in Sechelt who have taken it upon themselves to represent a cultural vision for the entire Sunshine Coast.
It seems this committee feels their collective knowledge and cultural expertise is sufficient and therefore can bypass all current cultural groups on the Coast that could have creative input or personal visions that could have been included.
I find phase three an interesting projection for an art gallery that will meet "the highest international standards."
It appears this committee is not having their evolved esthetic thirsts quenched. Sadly they rejected contacting either public art gallery and even ignored a written request from one public gallery board about the committee's projected vision. One would have thought that at least they might have been interested in the expertise of either existing public gallery.
I feel quite confident other citizens on the Coast selected their particular community as a place of residence because it reflects their personal vision of life. With that in mind, one monolithic structure absorbing cultural groups up and down the Sunshine Coast sends shivers up one's spine.
By its presence alone, culture can heighten our awareness, question our assumptions, transform its surroundings or express community values, and for this reason it can define an entire community's identity revealing the unique character of a specific neighbourhood.
Why is it this small Sechelt group of individuals wishing to get involved have chosen not to direct their driving energies to assist cultural organizations already existing in their community? If they took to raising operational grants or volunteering as board members or gallery receptionists, such cultural venues in their community just might mature into offering those international standards they obviously miss, without investing millions of dollars.
Bodhi Drope
Gibsons
