You’ve probably heard about hard times for the arts. Since March, local, regional, provincial, and national arts orgs, not to mention individual artists, have cycled through postponements, cancellations, and dire predictions with overwhelming repetition. A lot of “wait and see” is going on, and two take-homes are clear from top authorities: 1) put people first, and 2) one-size-does-not-fit-all.
What does that mean? 1) be safe, honour agreements, create new opportunities, and 2) scale the response: there is an overwhelming trend to move everything online. Larger arts orgs already have the tech and are enhancing new capacities. We have long-standing plans to improve our use of technology, and changes are underway, but as a small arts org, rushing into online exhibitions, performances, and classes isn’t the best idea.
So what are we doing? Unsurprisingly, we’re working on a few levels: immediate responsive programming, long-term programming preparation for opening the Arts Centre in 2021, and of course, building the Arts Centre.
Here are three responsive programming initiatives we are taking up now:
1) Literary Arts. The delivery of radio-broadcastable digital-downloadable aural immersion: readings, podcasts, poetry interviews, book-club debates—ideas are taking shape as we aim for strategic funding opportunities.
2) Activities for children and youth that get them engaged in responding to what’s happening in their environment right at home, right this minute. Have a look at our insert in June's First Edition and below here, read our Youth and Indigenous Connections Coordinator’s report below, be in touch, and sign up to follow along!
3) Photographs. Whether or not a visual artist wants to open an online shop, join an online exhibition, or announce their presence to the world, high-quality photographs are requisite. When one artist has good photographs, our whole scene benefits, now and in the future. So we’re working on how to deliver that idea, and when we've put a process in order, we can then think about how to best use those images.
What else have we planned? Tyler Manson’s mural on the Joe King water tank is going to be amazing, and we’re awaiting funding news for a variety of activities: performances, equipment to live-stream events, and support for the grand opening and first year of programming in the Arts Centre. All-in-all, HIAC is doing OK, but I expect new lasting initiatives will take time to execute with real excellence as we learn alongside other arts orgs what the future holds.
Please consider taking one of these surveys to supply us with information about your needs and desires at this time. We want to hear from you, and your participation will contribute to how we understand the importance of the arts to Hornby:
Below, read on for reports from Heather Royal Brant, our Youth and Indigenous Connections Coordinator, and Tor Nawrot, our Arts Centre Project Coordinator.
Take Care,
Andrew Mark, ED
HIAC's Nature Wheel Series
Over the coming months, we will be bringing Nature and Arts Engagement programming to kids in a variety of ways. We’ll have regular mailers in your mailbox and a Nature Wheel Insert that invites families and youth to participate in colouring, drawing their own observations, engaging in scavenger hunts, creating sit spots in nature and more. This month, a short video called "What's Happening?" will bring our attention to the natural world around us and give us some creative ways we can get out there and be in it to inspire our creative powers!
We thought it might be cool to think that your friends out there on Hornby are doing similar activities, and we can help you showcase your creations and connect with each other. Videos to come will offer art challenges to encourage sharing in our group gallery, and we’ll also have videos of local celebrities sharing their passions with you!
If you don't have the art materials you might need, we have you covered! Sign up at our email below, and we will ensure you can pick up or get delivered your materials in a safe way ;) We look forward to connecting with you at connections@hornbyarts.com and a special thanks to CHI and HIES in helping support the project. Here's an introduction to get things started: https://youtu.be/3LOPJLDhuWU
From Heather, Youth and Indigenous Connections Coordinator
Arts Centre News!
The Hornby Island Arts Council is pleased to provide the following update on the new Arts Centre. This is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from a great number of Hornby Islanders and beyond.
Recently, the HIAC Board underwent a thorough evaluation process whereby eight licensed architects were invited to submit a proposal for the final architectural services to take this project through the construction phase. Six of the eight architectural firms responded with proposals and these were evaluated by the Building Committee and its advisors. The process resulted in the hiring of D'Arcy Jones Architects as the architect for the project.
D'Arcy states: "Together with my team in Vancouver, D’Arcy Jones Architects (DJA) are thrilled to be selected to provide the architectural services for the new Hornby Island Arts Centre. This project has taken many years to happen, and our efforts from here are only possible because of the Arts Council’s vision and the efforts of many artists and professional services donated from this community. This new space will be a vibrant and important new hub for Hornby Island’s creative community.
After visiting the island for many years and then designing a cottage on the island's North end, I understand and appreciate the island's nuances and ways of building. Our goal is to celebrate Hornby Island's uniqueness within a new building that needs to fit in, while also being modern and fresh.”
The HIAC Board are very excited to begin working with D'Arcy Jones and look forward to sharing with the community the updates as we continue through this process. If you have any questions, please contact Tor Nawrot by email at tnawrot@icloud.com or by phone at 250-335-2214.
Here is a snap of staff, board members, volunteers, and contractors getting together and keeping things moving along! Thanks Rachelle!
