Arts community is thriving
Claire Ryan’s latest FUSION Saint John article appeared in yesterday’s Telegraph-Journal:
In the February 2009 report Building the Creative Economy in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Cultural Action Network Research Committee discusses how creativity, the arts and cultural industries affect the economy. The report is Nova Scotia specific, but the premise is applicable anywhere in the Maritimes.
The report notes a number of spin-off benefits of strong cultural presence, including youth retention.
“There is evidence that the increased recreation and employment opportunities associated with the creative economy appeal to the youth demographic,” the report states. “Areas with strong, creative economies will thus be more successful at retaining and attracting younger residents.”
Saint John has a head start in this regard, thanks to the talented artists, musicians, actors and entrepreneurs who have chosen to make Saint John home. FUSION’s Arts & Culture committee works to support local artists, musicians, performers and arts promoters, and keep FUSION members “in the loop” about the myriad of diverse arts and cultural opportunities, from open-mic nights to theatre performances.
“There is so much happening in the city. Almost every night of the week there is something going on,” says committee chairwoman Jennifer Waldschutz. “Our goal is to make people aware of, and interested in, these extremely talented people.” The Arts & Culture committee participates in the popular Gallery Hops and organizes the annual Harvesting the Arts Festival. This fall art festival showcases local talent, encouraging the community to try new food, see local art and musical performances, and celebrate Saint John’s vibrant arts community.
“With all our events, and especially with the Harvesting the Arts Festival, we are giving artists, musicians and performers the opportunity to show their talent to people they may not otherwise reach,” says Waldschutz.
The 2008 event connected more than 50 artists, musicians and local businesses to the approximately 4,000 visitors who passed through King’s Square throughout the day.
“We’re constantly looking for new ideas and welcoming new members,” said Waldschutz. “Our objective is to make the arts accessible to the community.”
Attending a committee meeting is a cultural experience in itself; the meetings are held in different venues, including the Saint John Arts Centre and Trinity Galleries. The committee is currently planning events to take place throughout the spring, including tours of local venues, including the backspace of the Imperial Theatre, the New Brunswick Museum and artists’ studio spaces around town.
FUSION’s Arts & Culture committee will hold its next meeting March 24, 5:30 p.m. at 115 Prince William St. New members are always welcome, and encouraged to attend.
For more information on the Arts & Culture committee, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. Email her at cryan@mtlpr.ca
