Chestermere city council directed staff to continue leading the organizing committee for Chestermere Arts Days at the April 18 meeting.
When Arts Days was first presented to city council 2011 the long-term plan was for the Chestermere Fine Art Guild would assume responsibility for the event.
However, City of Chestermere Events Coordinator Nancie Huneault told council that the guild was unable to take the lead in organizing Arts Days.
“The Chestermere Fine Art Guild stated they were not interested in the organization of the event as it has developed into more than just an Art Show and it includes many other arts disciplines,” she said.
Huneault said that the guild is still very supportive of the event and wanted to continue with representation on the organizing committee.
“They wholeheartedly support the endeavors of the current committee and participate as a representative of the Art Guild,” said Huneault.
During the council meeting, councilors expressed their support of cultural events such as Art’s Days but were concerned with the costs to the city in the amount of staff time taken for the event.
“When it comes to spending tax dollars, Council scrutinizes all costs that come before us,” said Chestermere Deputy Mayor Gail Smith.
“Even though funding comes from other sources and grants, time is money for staff and we want to make sure we’re not taking them away from their regular work,” she said.
With these concerns in mind, council directed staff to continue organizing Chestermere Arts Days but also asked for a more detailed breakdown of the costs, staff time and volunteer time that goes into the event.
“With more detailed info on staff time, we can compare the residential turnout to the event with the number of staff hours that go into it.
“If there is a low turnout and a high staff hours then a decision has to be made as to whether or not it is worth continuing to run the event,” said Smith.
The planning for the 2017 Chestermere Arts days has already started.
“This year’s opening night event theme is ‘Around the World in 80 Days – The 3 Hour Tour’ we hope that many of the residents will join us and share in the experience,” said Huneault.
Smith said that Arts Days is always a great display of the artistic talent in Chestermere and brings the community together for a fun night of socializing.
“I have enjoyed them all and hope to see them continue in the future as we watch our budding artists grow and contribute to our community,” she said.
