New Westminster – The City of New Westminster is writing a new Arts Strategy, and is encouraging residents to take part. The new Arts Strategy will be a guiding document that will renew, refresh, and re-envision plans for the development of the arts in New Westminster.

“We want to hear from artists, residents, community groups, educators, civic partners and other cultural stakeholders on how we can strengthen New Westminster through the arts,” said Biliana Velkova, Arts Coordinator. “Now is the time to shape your city’s creative future.”

The process of writing a new Arts Strategy starts with a survey. The public launch of the Arts Strategy survey is on September 8, at 7:00 pm in conjunction with the WITNESS exhibition opening at the New Media Gallery inside Anvil Centre.

The survey will take inventory of the audience demographics in the city, identify gaps in services, catalogue the current arts facilities, and measure the public value and social benefits of the arts in our community. There are different ways which the people can complete the survey: online, in person, and at various cultural and community events in the city. The survey will be available at local art galleries, schools, cultural organization offices, community centers and other public facilities.

In addition to the survey, a series of focus groups will be held throughout the city to further examine issues, trends, and gaps in services. These focus groups will include members of the following sectors: economic, social and health services, media and communication, arts organizations and artists, schools, educators and library.

Community members are encouraged to take the survey, sign up for an upcoming focus group, or sign up for our newsletter by visiting www.newwestcity.ca/ArtStrat or by calling Arts Coordinator Biliana Velkova at 604-515-3822 or emailing at bvelkova@newwestcity.ca.

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Contact:

Biliana Velkova, Arts Coordinator
City of New Westminster
bvelkova@newwestcity.ca or 604-515-3822