Esquimalt’s Township Community Arts Council has wasted little time in taking flight.
Formed just over a month ago after the township’s arts, culture and special events advisory committee was disbanded by council, the arts council has announced three major projects for 2014.
“We’re trying to promote local arts, local culture and be a cornerstone for a healthy and vibrant community,” said arts council president Morlene Tomlinson.
The non-profit arts council has seven directors and more than 20 members, with an aggressive campaign to attract more membership.
Tomlinsion said she’s been surprised by the early success of the council with Esquimalt residents. “I’m shocked at the uptake. Esquimalt has so much potential.”
The first major event planned by the council is the Memorial Park Music Fest, which will be held every Tuesday night from June 24 to July 29, beginning at 6 p.m. It features local singers and bands.
Next up is the expansion of last year’s Esquimalt Arts Festival at Gorge Point Park on Aug. 10.
Sculpture Splash, an Arts Extravaganza by the Sea, is slated for Sept. 20-21 at Macaulay Point Park. Sculptures will be strewn throughout the park’s greenspace. Tomlinson said this event has the potential to grow internationally.
Tomlinson said other projects are planned by the arts council in the coming year, but are still in the planning stages.
“We (the arts council) believe that all this good work can be enhanced and augmented by engaging the community using its own arts council as a vehicle,” she said.
“What will result is a greater sense of people’s connection to their community.”
For more information on the arts council, please email to townshiparts@gmail.com.