Today I worked on a speech I have been asked to give on behalf of artists who have participated in the Art On The Wall Gallery in Welland.
As I perused the archives of the Task Force, I am disgusted anew by the lack of comprehension this municipal government has of the importance of the ARTS to our culture. It's as if the soul has been ripped out of our city. Obstructionism abounds - if you are in the arts do not expect any funding from the local government. But, if you get together as a group promote & fund yourselves we will gladly take full credit for what you have done.
The general attitude of this city government seems to be - Artists should be grateful to have a place to display their work. After all, it doesn't take work, time, thought or effort to create it. When does a lawyer, accountant, garbageman, truck driver, waitress, etc. do their job for free and be expected to show unflinching gratitude when they do? This is ridiculous of course because they need the money to support their lives and families ---as do artists.
It is no wonder with this attitude, that Art on the Water in Welland also assumed that artists should not receive stipends for loaning their work to help make the Art on Water a viable project. This local " art" project was not well planned, thought out or executed in it's opening event in Welland, so much so that no dignitaries from the council or the mayors office attended the event. Perhaps they were not even asked.
The lack of understanding on part of this municipal government is sad as the council and mayor are considered educated people.
I think why I find this so difficult to tolerate here in Welland when other Niagara Municipalities "GET IT", The arts reflect like a mirror the soul of the community.
I will speak on behalf of the artists and for my friends who have fought so hard for this project which is now in its 5th year and I will consider it an honour to do so.
Thanks Lori, Carol and Dianna.
Art on the Wall is supported only by private donation.
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