ThereB次元官网网址檚 no arguing that the arts can play a key role in well-rounded communities. But when thinking about arts and culture, many residentsB次元官网网址� first thought isnB次元官网网址檛 how it connects with the local economy.
B次元官网网址淭he arts are important to a community as it is an opportunity for artists to engage in self expression and the public to experience self reflection and awareness of the world around them,B次元官网网址� said president Laura Davis. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 part of a healthy social fabric of the community.B次元官网网址�
With a background in finance, Davis noted a vibrant arts community can add to the economic growth of the West Shore. While itB次元官网网址檚 not necessarily a direct correlation, she explained there are many spin-off benefits such as the creation of jobs from facilities. A dedicated facility or annual event can also become a destination and will attract people from across the region, who usually spend money in other areas of the community while here.
Run by a volunteer board, the non-profit serves all five West Shore municipalities with the objective of creating space for arts programming that continues to benefit this growing population. B次元官网网址淲e went from a $9,000 a year budget to an $84,000 budget next year,B次元官网网址� Davis said. While a majority of funding comes from grants, she noted the City of Langford is also one of their largest contributors. B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檝e really stepped up to the plate,B次元官网网址� she said, adding theyB次元官网网址檒l be looking at expanding their presence in the city.
B次元官网网址淲e look for opportunities to engage the public in the arts B次元官网网址� thatB次元官网网址檚 really our mandate,B次元官网网址� Davis said, explaining that includes all forms of art from visual to performance and everything in between. B次元官网网址淲e even do a speaker series.B次元官网网址�
The West Shore Arts Council hosts two main events every year. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 easier to have annual events,B次元官网网址� Davis noted, as it helps create a strong attraction. The first takes place next month. B次元官网网址淲e partner with Royal Roads to do the MotherB次元官网网址檚 Day Paint-In B次元官网网址� WeB次元官网网址檙e really present there.B次元官网网址�
The second big annual event is the Light Up the Hills lantern tour that is presented by the Council and Westhills that takes place in the fall in Langford. Davis noted thatB次元官网网址檚 a big attraction for residents across the region and not just those living on the West Shore.
While not all programming is as big as those two events, a number of smaller initiatives are also attracting the publicB次元官网网址檚 attention and Davis noted they host at least two smaller events every month. B次元官网网址淲e (also) try to link the public with the arts organizations that exist on the West Shore B次元官网网址� We do a lot of calls to artists.B次元官网网址� A number of these are geared towards emerging artists to help them gain experience showcasing their work in a public setting.
Another program thatB次元官网网址檚 geared towards at risk youth is making strides. Five youth were selected to form a band and receive a weekly lesson with their instruments and lessons provided free of charge. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 hoping we can make it bigger,B次元官网网址� Davis said moving forward. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 lovely to see them together B次元官网网址� TheyB次元官网网址檙e like a little family.B次元官网网址�
But for performing arts, one of the biggest challenges groups face is finding an appropriate venue. While the Council works with the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa to host the Victoria Symphony, Davis noted they donB次元官网网址檛 have a venue on the West Shore large enough to host the entire symphony.
But theyB次元官网网址檙e working hard to change that and are working with other organizations to explore properties and other options to create an arts and culture centre on the West Shore.
