Strathmore Regional Arts Collective moving forward
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
It has been stated time and again that arts and culture should be a priority for the town, and a new group in town is hoping to make that happen.
On July 3 Brandy Hebbes, chairperson with the Strathmore Regional Arts Collective (SRAC), spoke to council about collective. She gave a bit of background on how they came to be. In 2010 it was stated that it was time for all arts and culture groups in the community to begin collaborating. The Hope Bridges Society drove the efforts with a group of residents from various arts councils. A Community Arts Centre feasibility study was created and was presented to the public several times to find more groups who may be interested in seeing an arts council formed in Strathmore.
Interest grew and that’s when Hope Bridges stepped away and let the group begin to build from the momentum of the feasibility study.
A nine-person board was created, and the board then began the process to become incorporated, which happened on Aug. 31, 2012.
“So we’re new but make no mistake we’re serious, we’re long overdue and we’re here to stay. We have a vision; we want to identify all the artists and artisans in the region. We want to promote them and support them and we want to find a home for them, an arts and culture centre. In doing these we also provide lots of opportunities for all the citizens of Strathmore and region,” said Hebbes.
After completing the process for the incorporation, the board began strategic planning where they came up with the specific words for their vision, mission, objectives, goals and active plans, as well as coming up with goals.
One of the immediate tasks for the board is getting their name out into the community and letting people know they exist. One of the first ways they plan to do so is by hosting an ‘Arts and Sounds in the park’ festival in Kinsmen Park on Sept. 28 from 12 noon until 5 p.m.
“The concept is to create a festival-like atmosphere with tents to house various artists and artisans who will be open to public interaction. As well we will have ongoing productions of various sorts in the amphitheatre there at Kinsmen Park,” said Hebbes.
The festival will also see other artists, drama, musical and dancers give demonstrations in the Amphitheatre.
The hope is to make the festival an annual event. Hebbes said for now they want to keep it small and slowly grow over the next few years.
SRAC has set a budget of $3,500 and Hebbes said they think they can fundraise the $1,000 through personal donations over the next few months.
She then asked council for a commitment of $2,500, and asked them to have the town identified as a partner in the festival. Next year SRAC plans to look for grant funding; they missed the deadline this year by just a few days.
Mayor Steve Grajczyk said in his travels to other communities he has seen firsthand how arts and culture are important.
“I’m in favour of this, it’s just part of the whole community atmosphere and it brings everybody together,” said Grajczyk.
Councillor Pat Fule, who had discussed bringing events into the downtown at the last council meeting, was excited about the proposal.
“I really like the sound of it, I think it’s going to be one more thing that will bring the town to that area, it’s a beautiful park, it’s a great idea,” said Fule.
A motion was made by council to partner with SRAC on the festival and to provide them with a grant of $2,500.