Re: “Why innovation in the arts matters,” Dec. 23.

Shawna Stirrett highlights the challenge for traditional arts organizations to think creatively about how they can attract younger, more diverse audiences to their productions. She mentions innovations such as the Portrait Ballet in Alberta, Site-Specific Theatre in Vancouver, and Local Issue Plays in Calgary.

Vancouver Island arts organizations also have innovations which are worthy of mention. The Cowichan Valley Arts Council, for example, provides a free-to-the-public display area for local artists in the Island Savings Centre.

New artworks are displayed every 10 days and include two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and performing arts from local artisans.

The CVAC Youth Outreach Program supports and mentors the creation of contemporary music, bright costumes and dynamic choreography, in addition to other visual, technical and performing arts, by the students of secondary schools.

Innovation also includes the presentation to the public of traditional art forms, previously held as proprietary in the households of master artisans.

CVAC is receiving enthusiastic response to its proposal to bring a master in the ancient yuzen fabric dyeing methods from Japan to British Columbia for two weeks of displays, presentations and workshops in traditional and new fabric dyeing techniques.

The British Columbia Arts Council supports such innovative projects and is inviting arts and cultural community organizations in B.C. to apply for support through its Special Project-Innovations assistance program.

Robert Radford

Duncan

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