Thank you to our Arts Champions!
Centre Stage with Arts Champions
Written by Christina Rolufs, Communications Manager
When people think of artists, they usually think of the art that is produced, but rarely do they see all of the impact that one artist creates while pursuing their artistic practice. As Artists, these individuals contribute to society on many levels as small business owners, arts administrators, volunteers, advocates, teachers, and influential voices for children, youth and adults. In jobs or careers outside of their artistic practice, artists are human capital who come to the workplace with creative problem solving skills and out of the box thinking, who connect unseen dots and create unique ideas. Artists drive innovation and create economic growth. On a societal level, artists use their artform to create conversation, connect different community groups, drive change, and instill pride in where they live.
As January is Month of the Artist in Alberta, Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) is taking the time to acknowledge and bring to the forefront the artists in our community that have a direct impact on ACWB, and in turn, make our region a remarkable place to live. ACWB’s volunteer Board of Directors are at the forefront of creating change in our community through their directional governance with ACWB. Each board member is an artist or arts enthusiast representing a distinct artistic discipline or sector. They are a diverse group who contribute to a strong strategic direction for ACWB. They are true champions, not only contributing to the arts on an individual level, but as volunteers, donating their time to help everyone in this community access the arts.
From the five original Arts Champions who banded together several years ago to form the Arts Council, to the eleven Directors currently sitting at the ACWB board table, and every board member in between, ACWB thanks you for everything you contributed and have accomplished. We hope you take great pride in your contribution to the arts and the development of our arts community.
Liana Wheeldon, Executive Director of ACWB gives her heartfelt appreciation to the Board and to all artists in our community for their relentless pursuit of their artistic practice and dedication to the arts in our region. “I am continuously inspired by the breadth of talent and arts experiences that we get to enjoy in our region. That some of these inspiring individuals take time out of their busy lives to help drive awareness and appreciation of the arts as volunteers is truly a gift. Artists often have to work at their craft during the ‘in between’ hours after family, full-time careers, volunteer work, and other responsibilities. I truly appreciate that our board members share those valuable moments, that could be spent creating for themselves, in the pursuit of creating a remarkable quality of life for everyone in our region.”
To learn more about Arts Council Wood Buffalo, ACWB Board of Directors, and the work we do in the community visit www.artscouncilwb.ca. While you’re there, visit the online Artist Directory to learn about the different Artists in our community! Follow @artscouncilwb on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and news.
Original article was released in the January 2020 issue of snapd Wood Buffalo.
