Artists within communities

The second day of the conference began with a panel exploring the role of artists within communities. Here is a quick overview of the panel’s discussion:

Tim Jones - President and CEO, Artscape

Tim Jones talked about Artscape’s pioneering role in transforming under-used buildings into affordable living and work spaces for artists in the Toronto area. Notable projects have been developed in the Queen Street West, Distillery and Liberty Village neighbourhoods. Tim emphasized Artscape’s role as an intermediary between artists, investors and stakeholders, and discussed the need for a strong collective voice in the cultural sector to encourage investment in artistic communities.

René Cormier - Manager of Strategy and Regional Cultural Development Strategy, Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick

René Cormier discussed the tools and techniques developed by the Association acadienne des artists profesionel.le.s du New Brunswick to integrate Acadian arts and culture in the broader community. The Acadian community has a strong identity and a high quality of cultural production. To recognize this, a  "global strategy" was published for Acadian arts and culture.

Dan Taylor - Economic Development Officer, Prince Edward County 
Dan Taylor discussed his involvement in the Strategic Cultural Plan for Prince Edward County. He recognized how artists and other creative workers have helped diversify the region’s economy and build a vibrant community. Once depressed financially, Prince Edward County is now attracting and retaining a new generation of youth and urbanites. Dan was quick to mention that prosperity in the community is driven by a broad stroke of creativity, meaning in addition to artists, wine makers, cheese makers, etc., are changing Prince Edward County's landscape.

André Dudemaine - Director, Land InSights
André Dudemaine emphasized the importance of arts and culture in First Nations' communities, where artists play a significant role in reconnecting people with their spiritual being. Through hard work and dedication, several festivals have been organizaed in the Montreal area to celebrate First Nations arts, culture and heritage such as the the Montreal First Peoples' Festival. In the long term, through Land InSights, André hopes to create a permanent festival in the Montreal area to showcase indigenous art and create a creative space for First Nations people.