Arts council looking for public input at forum

The Whistler Community Arts Council has scheduled its first open forum for Feb. 23, and is inviting members of the community and artists to come out and voice their opinions on the arts in Whistler.

The meeting will be held at the Delta Whistler Resort on Feb. 23, starting at 4:30 p.m.

"We really want to encourage people to speak now about their thoughts," says John Hewson, co-chair.

The transition from a small organization, to an umbrella organization for arts and culture in Whistler, is the monumental task facing the arts council in 2002.

The format of the forum will include roundtable discussions, where a member of the council will sit and facilitate discussion by attendees.

Four key questions will be put forward at this forum for discussion. These questions are set in a broad context, and include where the future direction lies for the arts body, how Whistler can be developed as a centre known for arts and culture in addition to recreation, and where the direction of future programs should proceed.

The community is also encouraged to discuss how these goals can be accomplished.

There will also be a brief presentation of the new strategic plan for 2002-2003.

Dixx Milstein is the current chair of the Whistler Community Arts Council, with Hewson as vice-chair. Members for 2001-02 also include Sharon Broatch, Dean Cote, Aileen Durie, Pat Gemmill, Alex Kleinman, Bob Kusch, Gavin Livingstone, Dawna Milstein, Kim Muller, Leanna Rathkelly, Joan Richoz, Stephanie Sloan, and Gwen Young.

The WCAC will also be hiring a full-time executive director, likely by the end of April.

Their arts council’s vision is to provide an environment where the arts can flourish, to provide quality art programs that encourage children and families, and the continued sustainability of local artists.

Arts council programs include the Whistler Performance Series, the annual Bizarre Bazaar, the Children’s Art Festival, and the Whistler Art Experience.