Arts & Culture Policy - Revised - but is it enough?

Council approved a revision of Cultural Services Policy SER-011-012 on June 8, 2010 (available at www.strathcona.ab.ca under Council minutes). Some people have asked me why I did not support that particular policy update – given my solid support for the arts and culture community in our municipality.

I believe policies should be created and revised with great care and with a strong focus on both current circumstance and future development. In this case, a policy on arts and culture should include all components. It should be clear and complete in how, and to what extent, we support all aspects of arts and culture.

The stated purpose of Cultural Services is “to guide the cultural development of Strathcona County by providing management, programming, grants, facilitation, and evaluation of services in arts, culture, and heritage.” Personally, I see  a municipal role as less ‘managing’ and more supportive than the procedure outlined on the policy.

The stated goal of Strathcona County’s Cultural Services is “to ensure access to culture, for all residents; to champion excellence in all cultural endeavours; and to promote the important role of culture in community well being, economic vitality, and quality education”.

My concern was that while the ten goals focused on the varying forms of art - none gave explicit reference and support of the Museum, Arts Council, and Library. All are strong, vibrant organizations that have played a significant leadership role in our community. I see a need to define the opportunity and direction of these organizations in our municipal policy.

Finally, I would like to have seen some reference to our rural aspect in the area of arts and culture. We are a specialized municipality – one of only four in the province- and we should be consistent in our acknowledgement of that unique urban – rural character.

Arts and culture in our community would benefit from a more comprehensive and better rounded policy to provide increased guidance and support. I look forward to this happening in the near future.