The Cowichan Valley Regional District wants to hear from residents about how to shape the future of arts and culture in the area.
The CVRD is working with Happy Cities, a Vancouver-based urban planning and consulting firm to launch its first ever Arts and Culture Master Plan, which aims to enhance arts and culture opportunities for locals and visitors across the region. The plan is set to be completed by fall of this year.
“Arts and culture thrives in our neighbourhoods,” said CVRD arts and culture manager Patrick LeBlanc. “This is a great opportunity for our communities to share hopes and ideas to help strengthen and direct arts and culture in our region for years to come.”
The Cowichan Valley is bursting at the seams with talent and creativity, the CVRD said in a press release. There are many ways one can embrace arts and culture including the enjoyment of art galleries, plays, poetry, comics, movies, concerts, music festivals, fine arts, book clubs, classes for kids, and even tattoos. The CVRD recognizes that arts and culture impacts everyone and is seeking community input on arts and culture priorities for the region.
People are asked to do a 10-minute online survey from March 11 to April 8 found online here.
Arts and culture enthusiasts can also share their ideas in person at one of two pop-up events happening later this month. The first will be held on March 22 outside the main entrance of the Cowichan Community Centre from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and the second will be on March 23 at Seedy Sunday held outside the Siem Lelum Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with more community engagement activities being planned for July and August. To stay up to date on project updates and opportunities to get involved, visit the project website at www.cvrd.ca/2089/Arts-Culture