As many as 60 per cent of people who took part in a district-led survey think there aren’t enough events related to art, culture and heritage in Squamish.
Over 50 per cent of people surveyed said lack of facilities, insufficient funding, lack of awareness about funding and lack of meaningful events were the barriers to a vibrant art and culture scene in town.
Live music, theatre, festivals, markets, public art and craft fairs were some of the top experiences people in Squamish said they would like to participate in town.
The findings are part of a survey of more than 800 locals, which has helped inform the Arts, Culture and Heritage strategy.
The Strategy was presented to council last month and will now guide the district.
One change would be district opening up municipal space for arts and heritage experiences.
The Brennan Park lobby, the 55 Activity Centre lounge area, and the Municipal Hall lobby will all be used as programmable space for free, low-barrier, and drop-in programs or activities.
As part of this strategy, the Squamish Arts Council (SAC) will move its administrative space into the 55 Activity Centre, which will enable the SAC and district staff to work as partners to create new youth arts programming.
District will also move a portion of the annual public art funding to SAC to administer and oversee.
SAC also plans to talk to heritage groups on how to enhance and celebrate social heritage through public art pieces.
The district says it would work with Squamish Nation to integrate cultural and creative programs into its own programs, and would explore language programs, arts and cultural practices, and traditional ways of understanding the natural environment.
The district will also look for ways to streamline permitting process to reduce barriers to people who want to create art events in town.
