The City of Courtenay has a new roadmap to guide priorities and investments in arts and culture over the next ten years. Courtenay Council adopted a new Strategic Cultural Plan, 鈥淐ulture Connects Us,鈥� at the Council meeting on March 12.
Developed through extensive engagement over the past two years with local residents, arts and cultural partners, and equity priority groups, the plan prioritizes reconciliation, relationship building, and investment in arts and culture, especially in Courtenay鈥檚 downtown. It highlights the need for advocacy and policy development at the local and regional level, as well as the important role arts and culture play in the economic and social fabric of our community.
The five key goals of the plan are to advance truth and reconciliation through arts and culture, build community resilience, develop accessible and affordable cultural spaces, bolster community arts and strategic cultural sector development.
Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells said the plan reflects the passion and commitment in the community. 鈥淲e heard loud and clear throughout the development of this plan how much our residents value arts and culture and the role it plays in connecting us to one another,鈥� said Wells. 鈥淭his plan was shaped by extensive public and cultural sector input. It will support long-term stability in our cultural landscape through many specific and practical actions that will support investment in culture as a benefit to our economy, tourism and social well-being.鈥�
鈥淐ulture Connects Us鈥� reflects the consistent theme heard throughout the development of the plan. Residents shared how arts and culture bring people together to celebrate, share, and also tackle difficult topics. The plan weaves this theme throughout the recommendations, focusing on the potential of arts and culture to connect the community.
An implementation strategy is now underway that will guide the execution of the plan using a phased approach, prioritizing investments, partnerships, long-term meaningful relationships and sustainability. Key next steps will include hiring a culture and events coordinator and conducting needs assessments of City-owned cultural facilities.
To learn more about the plan, visit .
