Session Title: 6 How can we
encourage and sustain artistic and creative energy on SI?
Convenor: Donna Digance
Note taker: Teresa Higgins
Participants: Donna, Teresa & Tony Green
Summary of discussions:
Saturna Artists have been members of
the Trinconmali Arts Council which is now centred on Galiano Island. There is government grant money around, and
that could be possibly be accessed by Saturna Island. We could become members again, and have access to the show cases
on BC Ferries. Karen Muntean was the
rep and could provide contact information.
The small population base, not
growing, and possibly declining, does not encourage artistic productivity. Parks Canada says there are more visitors
to the island: Donna’s experience last year shows fewer guests to her B&B.
Breezy Bay Lodge and Saturna Café
will display work.
Craft market in November is main
event of year, and for some perhaps not worth the set-up.
The August long weekend has been the
occasion for an Artists’ Walk for many years, not well attended last year, but
will be on the SITA brochure this year.
Only about 5 artists on island now, with variety gone (wood turner,
potter...). There are other things
going on that weekend as well, private parties, dinners, etc. that should
provide other attraction for potential customers.
The Lamb Barbeque also hosts a Craft
Fair. Demonstration and small,
inexpensive souvenirs would be most appropriate for sale at that venue.
Opening of Campsites might draw more
people, but we figured they are not likely to purchase local art, or add much
to the local economy.
Contact Steve Dunsmuir and SEEC to
offer demonstration and sharing with students, and perhaps organize Saturna
Festival of Arts, open to other Islanders and the rest of the world.
Contact SITA for help to organize events like Spinning or Weaving Retreat, where others can help with feeding and housing participants. An Open House could be advertised by putting on the calendar of events in the Scribbler.
| Funding
Provided by: |
