Whats the future of New Wests arts and culture? – Freshet News

New Westminster has great theatres, meaningful public art installations and lots of inclusive programs.

But what's missing?

It's a question being raised this month as the city updates its Arts Strategy.

Municipal staff are hosting seven workshops — in person and online — in June to shape the vision and values, as well as focus on the city's successes and gaps.

The first event, held on June 9 at the Anvil Centre, looked at community arts, crafts and arts infrastructure. And spots are now open for the following sessions:

• June 13 (online): performing arts, music and venue users
• June 16 (The Gallery at Queen's Park): visual arts, galleries, makers, creative businesses
• June 16 (Wildfire Books): access, inclusion, newcomers, seniors, community connectors
• June 17 (online): Indigenous arts, First Nations, Métis, cultural partners
• June 18 (online): civic facilities, downtown, place-based arts
• June 20 (library): literary, learning, youth, civic culture

Participants can register for up to three “priority-setting†workshops via the city's website as part of the Phase 2 outreach; however, until June 30, New West residents and arts leaders unable to attend the workshops can also fill out the Be Heard New West survey. 

Stephen O'Shea, New West's acting manager of community arts and theatre, told Freshet News the current Arts Strategy that city council adopted in 2018 is dated and many changes have been made in the arts, culture and creative sectors since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020.

The city has hired Cornerstone Planning Group to hear from the public and present a draft Arts Strategy this fall.

“It's time to relook at the arts environment and the conditions of the community that respond to the now,†he said.

Among the challenges arts leaders face today, he said, are finding suitable spaces and maintaining those spaces to create.

As well, “We hear from a lot of citizens wanting more connection. We hear that said in a variety of ways.â€

Jennifer Miller, New West's deputy director of community services, said the city is aware of the space pressures, as well as the financial costs.

“It's an ongoing challenge for arts groups,†she said. “We are now actively hearing from the arts community. … We're hoping to get the largest amount of feedback as to what groups are aspirationally and tangibly seeking.â€

Miller said the development of the draft strategy will go beyond the fall election; the next city council will consider the updated policy in February 2027.

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Featured image: THERESA MCMANUS/FRESHET NEWS
The Massey Theatre in New West is one of the most popular theatrical venues in the Lower Mainland.