The first ever Artists' Symposium will take place Friday and Saturday in Prince George, which provides the opportunity for area artists to share their ideas of what kind of contributions they can make to the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
The project is presented in partnership between the games committee and the Prince George & District Community Arts Council.
The Artists' Gathering takes place Friday at noon at the College of New Caledonia, which is open especially to local artists, as well as those as far south as Hope, to the border and east and west.
"The Artists' Gathering is a facilitated session, a hybrid of Open Space and World Cafe (proven methods of engaging small or large groups of people), and what it is, is an opportunity for the artists to tell us what they need to be successful with their art and the 2015 events."
This might be considered an early start, but when it comes to preparing for a national event like the 2015 Winter Games, it's never too early.
"So, say an artist needs to learn how to build a Facebook page to promote their art," said Wendy Young, executive director at the Prince George & District Community Arts Council. "Well, there's a workshop we can do for that. Say an artist wants to sell their art through a local businessman, well, we can connect with the Downtown Business Association. Say there's somebody who wants to host a space to sell local artwork. Awesome! We have lots of artists we can put him in contact with. That's what this Friday afternoon session is all about."
There are 30 members of the Babine Lake Nation attending, including 15 drummers and 15 dancers. There are people coming up with the bus from Williams Lake, Young added.
"I'm excited about the opportunities that are about to unfold for our artists," said Young.
Friday evening there will be a open stage for performers at 7 p.m. in the atrium at the college.
"So if people are interested, they can drop by and have a look and a listen," said Young.
On Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in conjunction with the Farmers Market, there is an opportunity for a sneak peek market for visual artists that want to showcase their work to local businesses and organizers of the 2015 Games, Young added.
"This is a display that will give everyone an idea of what kind of art there is in the community and the community at large can also have a look and purchase something if they find something of interest," said Young.
On Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. the Winter Games office will host a wrap-up session where a report will be presented of the results of the symposium. The report will then be available online at www.studio2880.com for all to see. There will also be a survey available upon request for those artists who are not able to attend the symposium, so they might contribute, as well.
Young said that next year's gathering will be held on a Saturday and Sunday to be more accessible for people who want to participate.
As a result of the forum, Young said, a data base of artists will be given to the organizers of the Canada Winter Games.
"They're going to need awards and gifts and things like that , so if we could put them in touch with local artists, all the better," said Young.
To register for this free event, or to get a survey, e-mail [email protected].
