Underground News

There is a lot going on in the Strathcona Neighbourhood. I don't often hear about it, or will hear about it after the fact. For one thing, Valerie Arntzen has been lending her shoulder to the Save 901 Main Street, and the city is looking to find space for these artists. That is a plus.

All the same, I'm sure Valerie is feeling the pinch of emotion as a significant feature of the Culture Crawl will be no more. Looking forward, the anticipation for what the city creates in the way of a solution comes with mixed feelings. On one hand they could create something better than occupied before, making the Culture Crawl even more significant. That would be nice. Or, it could be worse. Let's not go there.

The voices matter. I've been catching up on City of Vancouver plans. The most recent is the Culture Plan 2008-2018. You'll note the strategic timing of this plan with a two year lead for everyone savvy enough to get their act together in time for 2010. Yes, it is coming. What are you doing to prepare so you can cash in on all the tourist dollars that will be spent here? That brings me to the Culture Plan and City of Vancouver's Creative City.

Last year, around $1M of Arts & Culture budget did not get allocated and spent due to the civic strike. An agreement was endorsed allowing this money to be used in 2008. Of course, as a municipal government planning body these things are decided upon, however that does not mean to say these dollars cannot be accessed by Creative Individuals. That Culture Plan talks significantly about your role. Let's get some legs.

This brings the final paragraph to some underground conversations. Some Artists in Strathcona, and some on The Drive are applying their creative talents to securing the spaces and opportunities for artists and studios. Keep tuned and come forward too. I'm sure there are many who have ideas or would like to connect with others interested. Our biggest challenge is also the most rewarding: Being Family.