Concerned Artists of Belleville asked for thoughts on the Arts locally. This is part of their analysis of the Canididates for City Council for this election. Very laudable, but there is a flaw which I hope they realize - all of the Condidates have expressed verbal support for the Arts. But no specific promises, and no personal experience in the Arts, either as doers or as supporters. A very major exception is Ted Howe, who is the mainstay of the Childrens Theatre. And Jill Raycroft (Candidate for Mayor) who attended a Quinte Symphony concert (I spoke to here at the event). So here is what I wrote in response:

                As a life-long professional musician, married to a painter, I have lived the Arts, and I am painfully aware of how they are given short shrift. Almost everywhere. And as a member of the Board of the Quinte Symphony, and its Treasurer for the past two years, I am very aware of how that lack of support affects the Symphony locally.

                Everyone running for political office seems to recognize the importance of the arts, and they pay lip-service to support. Financial contribution is good to get, but it is not sustaining in its nature. Money by itself is not enough. The visibility and public profile of support is a major component in recognition of the importance of the Arts. In two years of financial struggle with the Symphony, I have seen only one candidate for office attend a concert (Jill Raycroft). (This definitely does not include Ted Howe, who is a big exception, being the mainstay of the Childrens Theatre.

                Financial support from the municipalities can, and should be, increased. But this by itself is not the answer, because it is sustaining in nature. That self-sustaining element of the arts community can only come about by greater public knowledge and a higher profile. (As an instance, many residents do not know that  the Quinte Symphony exists, despite a 50+ year history. Many are also totally unaware of the existence of the Quinte Arts Council. )

Personal attendance by politicians at openings, performances, shows, etc. can do a great deal to increase profile and awareness. (Support for sports is often indicated in this manner.) The increased profile will automatically attract more interest and more private-sector financial support. Personal involvement on Boards of Directors, or as volunteers for the arts would be even better. Unfortunately, acquiring a greater public awareness  is probably a slow process.

                However, there are specific projects that can undertaken relatively soon. Two possibilities come to mind. One is the possibility of a crafts and arts market in the Memorial Arena, which has now stood empty for four years. (By arts I include both plastic arts and performing arts.) The space is more than adequate to house small shows and performances in addition to an antiques and crafts marketplace. And with a large central location generating a large enough audience, the financial rewards will come. This can also be maintained on a year-round basis, providing a means of ongoing profile. It would have the peripheral advantage of drawing people into the downtown area.

Another possible action is to copy the “Art in the Park” concept that has been used n Windsor Ontario for many years. Zwicks Park is an ideal setting for the equivalent. The popular support for thia over the years has been huge. We could easily do that here in Belleville. The only specific drawback is that the event is only once per year, and leaves the problem of ongoing financial support. But it would a big plus in many ways. We have the space and we have the talent. We should do this.

The Cultural Roundtable is excellent, because the arts are not by nature restricted to municipal boundaries. But it needs more political support. The entire Quinte region will benefit, and should take part. Input and assistance from all parties is a necessity. Arts tourism can be a large component of the quality-of-life in the Quinte region, and any projects that foster it will be extremely positive in impact.

Finally, these two potential projects are not mutually exclusive: they can both be undertaken now. And for maximum success, municipal support should be financial, personal, and highly visible .

Larry Pohjola