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Great article on Evening Standard interviewing Justine Simons OBE on her strategy for London's cultural development, shedding light to the pivotal role of public art as a driving force in shaping our cities. Public art isn't merely about embellishing urban spaces; it's a dynamic tool for fostering cultural identity, stimulating dialogue, and enriching community experiences. As cities evolve, so does the significance of public art in reflecting and engaging with diverse narratives and perspectives. As professionals in various industries, we should recognise the importance of integrating public art into urban planning and development projects. By doing so, we contribute to the creation of vibrant, culturally rich communities that resonate with people on a profound level. #PublicArt #UrbanCulture #CommunityEngagement #CityDevelopment #CulturalIdentity

New Post: Curators - https://lnkd.in/eezf-CbU are professionals responsible for the care, preservation, and management of collections in museums, art galleries, historical sites, and cultural institutions. They play a pivotal role in curating exhibitions, conducting research, and ensuring the cultural and historical significance of objects and artifacts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of the Curators profession,…

New Post: Curators - https://lnkd.in/eWXiX8A4 are professionals responsible for the care, preservation, and management of collections in museums, art galleries, historical sites, and cultural institutions. They play a pivotal role in curating exhibitions, conducting research, and ensuring the cultural and historical significance of objects and artifacts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of the Curators profession,…

We spoke in front of council yesterday in support of business case P38 submitted by the London Arts Council, you can read our statement below. Voice your support for P38 by emailing budget@london.ca or appearing in person at the next Budget Public Participation Meeting at City Hall on February 27, 2024 at 4pm. - I am here today to advocate specifically for business case P38 submitted by the London Arts Council - CAIP Expansion. I’d like to draw attention to the fact that arts and music sectors are integral to the health of our city and region. There are countless studies that show the benefits of the social and economic impacts that the visual and performing arts bring to cities. It is vital that our municipal leaders work to foster the long-term sustainability of the arts and cultural sectors. At present, we’re seeing continued budget cuts, such as recent and significant cuts to the arts in Waterloo, and more broadly at the provincial level. Forest City Gallery receives operational funding from the LAC. We believe the LAC’s request in case P38 is both reasonable and representative of a significant boost to artists, arts collectives, and organizations in London. With rising inflation and increased funding requests, the LAC’s CAIP program requires more support from the City. LAC representatives have informed us that CAIP operates with a similar budget to Kingston’s Arts Council, a city with 1/3 of the population. We feel this is a dire comparison for London. An increase to the LAC’s CAIP funding will have a significant effect on our community, encouraging artists and arts organizations to continue the practices and programs that make our city vibrant, healthy, and inclusive. We recognize that there are numerous social issues requiring fiscal support, but we also affirm that our present moment is not one in which arts and culture must be set aside. It is the City’s challenge, and the duty of our local representatives, to steer municipal funding responsibly and effectively. Ultimately, municipal funding to programs like CAIP keeps access to the arts accessible to the general public and largely free charge. It allows organizations like Forest City Gallery to operate in a location with high foot traffic, or easily reached by different modes of transit. It allows us to employ enough staff to have our doors open to the public year round. And most importantly it allows us to bring exciting and interesting arts programming to London while paying artists fairly and not requiring an entry fee. Although I came here today to speak to P38 I also want to draw attention to a few other business cases: P8 London Arts Council P39 Grand Theatre P40 Pillar Nonprofit Network P70 Museum London All of these business cases are requesting funds because the arts and cultural administrators in this city are eager to enrich the lived experience of Londoners, they just need an additional boost to make that happen. - https://lnkd.in/ebHJm6Ec

Make your voice heard - Complete the Portland City Council survey! Please take just 3 minutes, right now, to give your opinion on the REUSE and revitalization of the existing Keller Auditorium! The City of Portland's new survey will be used to convey the opinion of whoever responds so please contribute to this effort with your input! We jumped in and answered the short 10 question survey. We were taken aback at the wording of several questions that appear skewed to give results that would favor building new and abandoning the existing Keller. Turning lemons to lemonade, just sharing how Restore Oregon answered those: Question 6 - NO, because it asks only about the City's investment in a "new" facility vs investment in the existing facility Question 7 - We don't want or need a new use that is unfunded! The first thought was to just not answer the question because it will be a distraction and is meant to confuse. But, in fact, this question is an opportunity to reinforce the obvious: "There is only one use - the City must keep the existing use as Oregon's premier performing arts facility. We do not support any ideas for new or different uses." Question 9 - we chose not to answer the first "yes, no, unsure" because of the way the question is written. We wrote in the "Briefly explain" box: "This is a positive solution to balance much needed renovation work of the existing Keller while keeping a performance schedule for 7 months of each year. It's a win-win to achieve downtown's revitalization and reinvestment in the arts and culture at the existing Keller." Question 10 -- we elaborated on the 4 points from the Halprin Landscape Conservancy, starting with "Reusing and reimaging Our Next Keller is the best overall option." Finally, anyone can take this survey, not just people who live in the City. Thanks for your help! https://lnkd.in/gnGKr-5G . . . . . #restoreoregon #architecture #advocacy #KellerAuditorium #Reuse #KellerFountain #ournextkeller #halprinlandscapeconservancy #TedWheeler #commissionerdanryan #commissionercarmenrubio #commissionermingusmapps #PortlandCityCommissionerReneGonzalez #downtownportland

Sharing my latest blog post. Let’s all just relax: why relaxed arts offerings are on the rise "For a long time now, there’s been an entrenched view that participating in arts events means shutting up, sitting still and following old traditions and etiquette." "But the world is changing, and as a result, we need to keep up if we want to stay relevant and responsive to audience needs. Luckily, there are some companies who are doing exactly this - and we are starting to see an increase in relaxed performances and sessions. " Read more about the newest and best examples of relaxed performances locally and internationally, and how you might implement some quick wins within your own practice or organisation too! https://lnkd.in/ggZweWHn

EVERYONE deserves access to arts and culture! Therefore, it fills me with joy to see the Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre used as a creative outlet for the community, home to 250,000+ displaced people. The hope is that they unite through music and dance to heal from trauma. The building is positioned on the border between the two communities while aligning itself on existing pathways to promote ideas of placekeeping, movement, and connection—a shared space. Inside, it houses a stage for performances and events and a recording studio for large groups. "Our research and work around the world has shown that culture is deeply correlated to community identity, which in turn is a vital ingredient of community resilience. To that end, it feels fitting that the Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre is formed around an environment that gathers people as in an amphitheatre, which creates a natural spotlight for activity." In efforts of environmentalism and sustainability, the roof doubles as a funnel for rainwater. It is estimated that the water tank will provide 1.2 million liters of water every year. Approximately 70% of this will be used directly by the community, while 30% will be used to irrigate the landscape. All while materials were developed from what could be found in the area, constructed by the local community, and surrounded by greenery to avoid droughts and famine. #Arts #Culture #Architecture #HumanCenteredDesign #Connection #Africa #PublicSpace #Uganda #Refugee #Local #Environment #Sustainability #Resilience

In which I explore Australian rural arts practices and NZ appropriative potential.

Local cultural institutions — museums, theaters, libraries, and galleries — are the pillars of heritage and history within our communities. These spaces not only house artistic and historical treasures but also foster a sense of identity and continuity. The key to their enduring legacy? Regular maintenance. Here’s why keeping these cultural beacons well-maintained is crucial: Preservation: Regular upkeep ensures that artworks, artifacts, and historical documents are preserved for future generations to explore and understand. Public Engagement: A well-maintained space is inviting, encouraging more visitors to engage with and support local culture. Safety: Regular checks and maintenance ensure these institutions remain safe havens for community gatherings and learning. While we can't take credit for the upkeep of iconic pieces like The Hartwell Memorial Window, we dream of one day applying our expertise to such magnificent testaments of cultural beauty. Until then, City Wide Jani is proud to contribute to the preservation of cultural keystones through dedicated maintenance, helping ensure that the stories, art, and history they hold remain vibrant and accessible to all. Let's cherish and uphold the legacy of our local cultural institutions together. Their preservation is our collective responsibility. #CulturalPreservation #MaintenanceMatters #CityWideJani