Eye on the Esplanade: Being culturally aware and an active participant

By Medicine Hat News on September 21, 2018.

When I think of my role here in the Community Development Department at the City of Medicine Hat, I always keep some head space for the broader picture of culture in our community. I’m naturally curious about everything, and definitely passionate about culture in general: arts, heritage and “other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.” I like to believe that in my role here, I can be a catalyst for the promotion of culture in our area even though the bulk of my focus is on Esplanade and other City-related activities. The occasional event slip past me, but I do my best to be aware of what is going on around us, especially since my position encourages me to connect with the various cultural efforts in our city.

As a participant, outside of work, I’m definitely guilty of not always practicing what I preach. I miss events and sometimes feel like I’m not providing enough support to help make an event, a non-profit organization or a cultural/creative business a success; support that I ask professionally of the many audiences we attempt to reach and engage with our programs, shows and events. I understand that in our busy lives, we have to pick and choose what we partake in. I also understand, after a hard work day, how easy it is to stay home thinking that you, a single individual is not going to make a difference. I can assure you it does. If someone chooses to support something, there’s a greater chance that more people will follow. If they are the one reaching to get support and are receiving it, they are more likely to continue with their efforts and lend their support to others.

For this to happen, we need to be aware of what’s going on and commit to it. Too often do I hear, “I didn’t know this was happening,” or worse, “there is nothing happening (culturally or otherwise) in Medicine Hat.” I know for a fact that it is quite the contrary. There is so much going on, but we need to make ourselves culturally aware and become an active participant. The more we partake, the more vibrant our community will become, the richer we will all be.

Once a year, for the couple months leading up to the Alberta Culture Days weekend at the end of September, I focus on culture in Medicine Hat. I’m always happily surprised to see that there is so much happening on Culture Days year after year, especially since it’s only a sample of what goes on all year long. Tomorrow, if you are a subscriber of the Medicine Hat News, and Wednesday if you are not, you will receive an Alberta Culture Days Medicine Hat brochure. Have a look, see if something interests you, participate, and after, stay aware, there is always more upcoming cultural activities. I encourage you to stay connected with the many local organizations and amazing people that make our City a one-of-a-kind cultural place.

Tobie Laliberte is the marketing/promotions coordinator at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre.