The city's cultural facilities are developing a strategy to boost the arts and in-person events following the pandemic while still promoting more online and alternative services, council heard Monday.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
The city’s cultural facilities are planning to rev up offerings when the so-called “relaunch” from COVID-19 pandemic occurs, officials told city council Monday night.
That could include promoting neighbourhood block parties, closer work with community arts groups or even footage of rodeos and local history broadcast on the vast exterior of the Esplanade.
The sky could be the limit for cultural activities coming out of the pandemic, said Aaron Nelson, head of cultural programming for the city in a presentation to council.
“We will be gathering together again when it’s safe to do so,” he said while running through a presentation titled “Amplify, Facilitate, Inspire” for council on his department’s priorities.
“We’re looking at the community in a more holistic way.”
He said a lineup of traditional events – like concerts, performances, even show and shines – will be on slate for Hatters who are eager to rub shoulders after more than a year observing calls to isolate as much as possible. Recent surveys show two thirds of Albertans are excited for in-person events once health restrictions are lifted.
But the city’s department will also involve more outreach, more targeted events and bringing city-led efforts out of major hubs, such as the Esplanade and Co-op Place.
That includes things like online art classes, as have been offered during the pandemic, to more visiting exhibitions to schools – a sort of in-class field trip.
Nelson also says social media accounts of the Esplanade and the Esplanade Archives have grown in popularity but the medium has limitations.
Rec study slated
A promised review of the city’s recreation master plan will take place over the next two months, then taken to stakeholders this summer, according to an outline in this week’s city council meeting.
The review stems from a decision last fall to keep several rec facilities closed during 2021 to meet budget targets and lower expected usage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The most recent parks and recreation master plan was completed in 2011, and the new document will include recreation strategy as well as facilities and specifically ice-surface plans in terms of capital costs, allocation, offerings and operations.
Items of park design will also be discussed with residents who will be able to participate through the city’s “shape your city” website.
A list of key topics include to what degree non-profits or private businesses be relied upon to provide services, the city’s role in promoting “healthy lifestyles, its core strengths and considerations for so-called sports tourism.
