As municipal election season ramps up, local arts advocates in Fort St. John are making sure creative and cultural priorities aren’t left out of the conversation.
The Fort St. John Community Arts Council is hosting a dedicated arts and culture forum designed to give voters and municipal candidates a shared space to address the future of the local creative sector.
Grace Hill, executive director of the Fort St. John Community Arts Council, said ensuring creative voices are heard during election season is essential for a balanced community.
“Sometimes arts don’t receive as much publicity as other community groups,” Hill said.
“All have equal value, and it was really important to us to bring everyone’s voice to this conversation.”
According to Hill, space remains one of the primary concerns raised by local artists and community members.
Roughly 10 per cent of questions submitted ahead of the event point to the need for a dedicated creative hub, alongside ongoing questions about program funding and accessible transportation for residents wanting to participate in local programming.
“Really, it’s centered around making sure community members’ needs are met and heard by the city,” Hill explained, noting that a vibrant arts scene contributes directly to the local economy while benefiting residents across every age group.
“You don’t just do it while you’re young—it’s something that can continue through the years,” Hill said, pointing to active community groups spanning pottery, quilting, weaving and theatre.
“The main goal for us out of this conversation is just to start the conversations that can lead forward to working together in partnership to actually get to a creative hub, or for space for community members.”
The forum takes place on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the North Peace Cultural Centre Theatre as part of the council’s broader Art in Partnership Conference.
Community members interested in attending or submitting questions for candidates can find registration links and submission forms on the Fort St. John Community Arts Council Facebook page.
The event will also feature an open floor for audience questions toward the end of the session.
