Public input sought on supporting the arts

The Municipality of Shelburne is seeking input into how best to support the arts in the community through a survey, community engagement and public consultation session that is open to everyone.

“We want to make sure we have everyone’s preceptive, from local artists, to those who enjoy, participate and volunteer in the arts community,” said Val Kean, community development co-ordinator.

Kean said the municipality has contracted the services of Bird & Branch Consulting to facilitate a community engagement and public consultation session to determine how the municipality can best support the arts in our communities.

The sessions are scheduled for Jan. 23 at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown. A facilitated session will run from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by a drop-in session from 3 to 5 p.m.

“These sessions will give us information regarding the current status on the arts community, what are the dreams and aspirations of our local artists and what can the municipality do to best support our arts communities,” said Kean.

The consultants are also gathering input through an online survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/52XP5VH which is also available as a paper copy at the municipal office on Hammond Street in Shelburne.

Once the consultations are completed, a report with recommendations will be prepared for council “which, will ultimately help guide council on how they can offer support in the most effective way,” said Kean. “Council will also play a part in the consultation process and have a chance to express their vision to our consultants.”

The sessions and survey are open to everyone for input, not just residents of the municipality, noted Kean.

“We don’t have any boundaries on the consultations,” she said.