Arts Matters

I listened with interest to CBC Daybreak's special this week "Arts Matters." Heard from a few people whose names I know from various media releases and events promotion. Today there was a public forum in Kelowna. One fellow was talking about how a new and otherwise unsellable development in Toronto brought in an arts component and suddenly blossomed to become a cultural destination. He also advocated for creating a low-cost district for artists, making it easier for them to live/work in publicly accessible studios. This plan re-invigorates communities, making them lively and interesting for everyone. Makes me think that our little cultural district in Salmon Arm (from Filiatrault's on Hudson, up past the gallery and down to the theatre) can use some attention. What would happen if the landlords in that area made space available to visual and performing artists at cost-recovery rates. For instance, that lovely little space in the bottom of the old courthouse. There are likely many little cubby-holes that can be turned into studio space for artists, thus giving that area more creative energy. More fun for both visitors and residents... with the added bonus of keeping young people in the community.