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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 29, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Arts council looking to increase membership in future Continued from page 29 Whittington said that ensuring the public is aware of this separation is a major initiative they have recently launched. "Even in the beginning, we were never mandated by the Town," Whittington said. "We came out of a community organization and started as the Oakville Performing Arts Council for performing arts in 1969. From that council, there was a decision that there needed to be an umbrella for all the arts. They needed a group that represented different disciplines and that is what the arts council evolved into. "We appreciate the funding from the Town and we need to strengthen that relationship, but we also need to be independent." Much of the confusion comes from the cultural grants administered by the council. The funding comes from the Town, while grant recipients are determined by a non-partisan committee that is separate from the arts council. "If we aren't meeting the needs of the members and the public, what are we here for?" said Whittington. The arts council has been a vocal advocate during the Town's cultural plan process, according to Whittington. While arts council's members have many different ideas for what they would like to see included in the plan, common themes have been passed along to the Town by the arts council. "We really need more space and more facilities for our artists," said Whittington. "That is an important message for us to convey. To bridge the north and the south, another arts centre would be fantastic anywhere in this community. We know there is a tremendous space need in the community." The arts council's board of directors plays a major role in determining the course of the organization. It consists of members from various sectors of the community. "We're always looking for new voices, so anyone who is interested is welcome to submit their name," Whittington said. "The board governs this organization, so they were instrumental in establishing the strategic plan, as well as other things like hiring staff." Ken Kawall, board president, said he was inspired to join the arts council after visiting town and cities of similar size and finding their public arts spaces and arts communities more impressive than Oakville's. He said that the arts council is an essential part in an equation that equals a stronger arts community. "We need greater awareness, we need more financial support, we need more cultural facilities and infrastructure in Oakville and the OAC has been strongly championing these causes over the past four years." Ken Kawall Board president of the Oakville Arts Council "We have a tremendous wealth of artists in our community, many individuals or in small groups," said Kawall. "It is critical that these voices be unified to let our politicians and funders know who we are and the support we need." Advocacy for these members is a key activity of the council, he said. "We need greater awareness, we need more financial support, we need more cultural facilities and infrastructure in Oakville and the OAC has been strongly championing these causes over the past four years," Kawall said. Robert Eagle, who also serves on the arts council's board of directors, argued that the arts are essential for a strong community. * FREE DAILY SERVICE Morning and afternoon departures to Fallsview Casino *After $10 Casino Rebate Government Photo ID required From Carpool Lot Mid Day & Afternoon Morning Departures $10 Includes Buffet Lunch Guelph Line, North Service Rd from $10 pp Hopedale Mall Minimum 5- hour stay required. Valid government-issued photo identification and Players Advantage Club Card required to redeem offers. Offers subject to change without notice. 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ERIE SHOPPING AND CASINOS · Includes 2 Breakfasts · Shopping Millcreek Mall And Grove City · $45 Coin Bonus · And $15 Food Coupons · Cozy Hotel with Indoor Pool RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AWNINGS, CANOPIES, PORTABLE SHADE STRUCTURES · 3 Nts Country Accom. incl. Amish Hotel · Dinner Theatre show · Treasure Hunt Tour · Lunch with Amish Family · Orchard and Farmer's Market Visit · Broadway show `Kiss Me Kate'& much more · Enjoy the fall colours He cites Richard Florida's increasingly popular theory that the creative class, which includes artists and musicians among others, fosters an open, dynamic, personal and professional environment in metropolitan regions. "People want to live and work in areas that are not only visually pleasing, but also possess stimulating artistic environments," said Eagle. "People wish not only to reside in a community, but to be able to grow and enjoy the activities and opportunities that it provides. The arts in Oakville should strive to create such an environment." The future of the arts council is filled with more projects and initiatives that will enrich the artistic scene in Oakville, according to Whittington. One venture is working more closely with arts councils in other parts of the GTA, as many have a common goal, according to Whittington. "I hope in moving forward, we strengthen the arts council network," she said. "A lot of the messaging that is coming out of arts councils is consistent. We can see where other communities are at, what kind of funding is being given and build awareness of arts councils in general." The arts council is also looking to increase its volunteer base. Many of its activities are reliant on its volunteers. There are about 120 names in the database, with approximately 40 of those people actively helping out the council. "We have tremendous volunteers," Whittington said. "They help with flyers, do brochure racks and help out at fundraisers. This community is wonderful with its volunteers. But we could always use more people." A number of committees operate under the Oakville Arts Council, including advocacy, sustainability, enabling and communication. Arts council members and board members sit on these committees, along with staff. Whittington said these committees are doing excellent work. She is recruiting for more members to further increase their outreach, as there cannot be too much advocacy when it comes to the arts, she said. "The arts make our community livable," she said. "The arts is the passion, the heart of a community. From a business point, you should invest in it because it is one of the pillars of our economy. The arts is what draw people to live in specific communities. They want to live in an environment that is conducive to a high quality of life and that is the arts." Kawall said that the arts council is needed more than ever in the future, especially as the Town moves forward with its cultural plan. 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