Let's Talk Arts and Culture Kicks Off
August 3, 2022
The City of Fort St. John is excited to announce the engagement to develop its first-ever Community Arts & Culture Framework, which aims to enhance arts and culture opportunities for all residents and strengthen the city’s identity as the Peace Region’s economic and cultural hub.
Recognizing that arts and culture are for everyone, the City is seeking community input on arts and culture priorities for Fort St. John, to guide the development of the new Framework. All artists – dabblers, creatives, and appreciators alike – are invited to share their ideas by filling out a short survey on the City’s Let’s Talk page between August 8 and 29, or attending one of two pop-up events at Music in the Park on Thursday, August 11, and Open Mic in the Plaza on Friday, August 12.
With a focus on community connections, the Arts and Culture Framework will deliver a clear guide for the next decade of arts and culture investment in Fort St. John. Areas of focus include programming, partnerships, physical spaces, and funding opportunities.
“This Framework will provide a solid foundation and actionable direction to advance arts and culture and improve the economic and social wellbeing in our community,” said Eryn Griffith, Arts & Culture Manager for the City of Fort St. John.
The City is excited to be working with Happy Cities, a BC-based planning firm that specializes in supporting community wellbeing through design, research, policy, and engagement. Happy Cities will be leading the development of this framework. The project team will work closely with the community, including local artists, stakeholders, and new and long-term residents, to create a plan that reflects the community’s aspirations and diverse makeup.
“Arts and culture are a cornerstone of a liveable Fort St. John,” said Mitchell Reardon, Senior Planner & Designer at Happy Cities. “By investing in arts and culture, the City can offer more opportunities for local residents to get involved, and strengthen its commitments to economic growth, reconciliation, community wellbeing, and resilience.”
The Community Arts & Culture Framework is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2023, with a second round of engagement on the draft Framework planned for February 2023, during the High on Ice Winter Festival. Through extensive input from local stakeholders and community members, the framework seeks to cement the city’s identity as the Peace Region’s creative and cultural hub.
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