Editor, The News:
Re: Pitt rebuffs arts council (mapleridgenews.com).
I fully endorse Pitt Meadows council’s vote on Dec. 6, redirecting $25,000 to our own, newly fledged arts and culture department rather than to the Maple Ridge arts council, which would have been in addition to the $32,000 directed to it earlier this year for programs.
This money will be needed by our own dedicated staff to develop a ‘made in Pitt Meadows’ suite of programs, outreach and public art development, which will reflect our artists and our community’s unique ideas and inspiration.
No two cities anywhere in Canada, even as neighbours, are alike in how they pursue arts and culture, so it will be here.
I was sorry to see that the arts council executives, during question period were a bit distressed by this decision, and much like our previous separation from parks and leisure, there will be growing pains.
I do hope that the arts council executives and members, can manage to take a breath and realize that Pitt Meadows will have to redirect some money to its own resources to get our plans and dreams for arts and culture in Pitt Meadows off the ground. I do not see this as a sign of ‘ill will’ on our part or drama, but pragmatic and going forward.
I think that on a new day, in clearer light, the Maple Ridge arts council will understand that this is part of the journey, and as such, members can still play an honoured role in offering advice and connections.
It would be unfortunate that co-operation between our two cities should be counted only on the basis of funds received, or not.
Darlene Mercer
Pitt Meadows
