STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

In 2005, the West Shore Arts Strategy project began with a public brain storming session that generated community interest and enthusiasm. The event produced a remarkable balance of innovation and tried and true ideas for the future. From there, a smaller group of artists, business people, and educators studied the input and developed a guiding document to help chart a course toward the future. This document, Phase I in our Strategic Plan, contained the following goals.

Goal #1:
Improve the organizational structure of the West Shore Arts Council to enable its growth and sustainability,

Goal #2:
Enhance the West Shore Arts Council’s role as a lead advocate for public understanding, participation and appreciation of the arts and culture and their valuable contribution to a vibrant community.

Goal #3:
Improve the West Shore Arts Council’s role in promoting local arts, culture and heritage.

Goal #4:
Enable the development of a functional, attractive, integrated and affordable facility where the arts and culture can be experienced and celebrated on the West Shore, built on a beautiful site that exists in harmony with nature and the surrounding community.

With the establishment of a new Council structure, we have completed Goal #1.

With respect to Goal #2, we have now established a West Shore Cultural Collaboratory. We continue to hold brain storming and strategy sessions with our partners in municipal governments, First Nations, Royal Roads University, Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, the West Shore Economic Development Association, West Shore Chamber of Commerce, West Shore College Learning Commons Society and other important community stakeholders, to undertake a West Shore Community Cultural Scan that will inspire and transform the West Shore’s cultural landscape.

In regard to Goal #3, we have increased the number and quality of events sponsored by the Arts Council and are working with Heritage Groups to protect and improve heritage properties.

With respect to Goal #4, there are large multi-faceted projects now being planned for the West Shore and we are working closely with the municipalities and are encouraged that one or more major Cultural Centres will be included in these projects in the coming years.

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