Arts festival money pitch

Times Contributor 

 

The Strathmore Regional Arts Collective (SRAC) gained a one-time only payment of $2,500 from the County of Wheatland on July 16, to support a Cultural Days event for County residents. The group were advised by letter that any further funding requests should go through the Community Enhancement funding process. Consideration was given by council to the request as the group was in organizational stages at the time of last year’s Community Enhancement funding deadline.

“We are new, we are serious, long overdue and we are here to stay,” said Brandy Hebbes, spokesperson for the group.

Hebbes said that SRAC had based the need for arts and cultural development on studies done in the past which indicated that the people in the area are hungry for more opportunities to enjoy entertainment and cultural experiences. Wanda Reinholdt of the Hope Bridges Society appeared in support of the group. Hope Bridges helped in the early stages of the group’s development.

SRAC established a nine member board and became incorporated in August 2012. Their goal is to help area artists improve and communicate their work, notify and educate residents about the arts, and provide artistic and cultural event venues for the enjoyment of the community. During Alberta Cultural Days, they will be holding a fair in Kinsman Park in Strathmore on Sept 28. There will be tents with various working artists, exhibits and live entertainment all day long. 

They are looking for partnerships for their organization and have begun fundraising. They gained a donation from the Town of Strathmore and are working to include Siksika in discussions and support aboriginal artists as well.

“They are a very strong and united group of passionate people,” said Councillor Berniece Bland.