I am writing on behalf of Guelph Arts Council to urge you collectively to approve the position of Supervisor of Arts and Culture as proposed by Director of Community Services Ann Pappert.
I understand that you begin deliberations on the 2009 Budget tomorrow (December 2), so we hope that you will bear in mind that there is currently no City staff person who has specific responsibility for arts and culture. That is despite the facts that arts and culture are at the heart of Goal 4 of the City’s 2007 Strategic Plan, and that the Plan clearly recognizes the role that arts and culture play in the City’s “economic prosperity, quality of life and community identity.” It would appear to us that no other sector of the community is so underrepresented on City staff.
I expect that you are aware of the fact that Guelph has a reputation across the country as a City with a vibrant, diverse cultural life which is the envy of many other communities. We know that there are many pressures on Council these days, but we feel very strongly that it is time that the City extends some tangible support to cultural development by ensuring that a very real community asset has specific staff support.
Indeed, we believe that this position is even more important in these challenging economic times when the cultural sector is facing some very real and increasing pressures. A Supervisor of Arts and Culture could play a very important role in supporting and harnessing the creativity that is inherent in the creation, production and presentation of the arts in Guelph.
Also, with the completion of the new City Hall and the development of the civic square area in front of the new building, there will be many new and exciting opportunities for cultural activities in these new spaces. It will be important to have a staff member who can encourage and support such activities for the betterment of the City and its residents.
Again, we strongly urge Council to give budget approval to the position of Supervisor of Arts and Culture. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you think that we could provide any additional input. SW
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On behalf of the Edward Johnson Music Foundation and a member of the Guelph Arts Council, I am writing in support of a letter submitted by the Guelph Arts Council to City Council to give budget approval for the position of Supervisor of Arts and Culture.
An Arts and Culture position dedicated to the arts community would play a significant role in establishing and maintaining effective relationships and communications lines between the municipality, community groups, organizations and the artistic community.
There has always been widespread recognition of Guelph’s impressive legacy in the arts. As home to writers, visual and performing artists, and craftspeople of distinction, and many organizations and institutions, Guelph’s arts scene is synonymous with the identity of our community.
The arts are one of the building blocks of a healthy and sustainable community in which citizens are not only consumers, but are challenged and inspired by the arts. People looking for a high quality of life for themselves, for their families and for their employees seek communities with a vibrant arts profile. A healthy and sustainable community is therefore one in which the arts plays an integral role in the quality of urban life.
It is our hope that as representatives of the arts community, you will happily give approval to the creation of this new and exciting position your utmost consideration. RS