I am writing on behalf of the Guelph Studio Tour – a local, self-run arts and artisan group – to encourage you to approve the position of Supervisor of Arts and Culture as proposed by Ann Pappert, Director of Community Services .
As you know, there is no City staff person specifically dedicated to the arts and culture in this city. The City’s 2007 Strategic Plan recognizes the role that arts and culture play in the City’s economic prosperity, quality of life and community identity. Having a staff person installed in such a position would go a long way to meeting the Strategic Plan’s objective. As well, it would demonstrate to the arts and cultural community that the City is serious in it’s stated commitment to that community. Given the present economic times, the cultural sector is facing very real and increasing pressures. A Supervisor of Arts and Culture would play a very important role in supporting and harnessing the creativity of the arts and cultural community.
I hope you positively consider this request and approve the position of Supervisor of Arts and Culture. Should you have any questions or would like to discuss this directly please do not hesitate to contact me. DA
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As an artist that has been a part of the Guelph art scene for over 20 years, I am writing 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 I 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 me 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. An excellent example of a city which embraces and supports it’s arts and culture community is the city of Toronto. We need our city council to use this example and help this community grow and prosper with the direction and support of this supervisor, it is long overdue, I am embarrassed to say. This city has been overflowing with creativity, why are we so neglected by our city council and so applauded and respected by our peers outside of this city?
Indeed, I 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 I could provide any additional input. MP