PARRY SOUND - The town is recognizing the value of its arts and culture through a new Municipal Arts and Culture Policy.
At its June 19 meeting, council approved the policy that was, in part, spearheaded by the art exhibit inside the town office.
“The Municipal Arts and Culture Policy recognizes the important role arts and culture play in a community, as well as identifying supports that could help this sector,” wrote Lynn Middaugh, town director of economic development and leisure services in her report to council. “The policy very much parallels that of the Community Assistance Program, as it relates to the use of town facilities and equipment, cooperative marketing and promotion opportunities, leadership, training and development opportunities, assistance with grant applications and assistance with special events planning. There is no direct monetary support provided through the (policy).”
Middaugh said the Parry Sound Artists Round the Sound (ARTS) support the new policy.
This fall, the town will partner with ARTS and host a Business of the Art Summit that will provide educational workshops for artists to move their art or craft into a business.
“A community that fosters the arts results in social cohesion,” said Middaugh. “A sense of community pride emerges with the building of shared values, inclusion and participation of all ages, backgrounds and incomes. Today, the development of an arts policy is a primary mechanism to recognize value or culture and the arts. It enables municipal leaders to make informed decisions about how to invest in the arts and what goals and strategies it should employ as it looks to the future.”