REPRE GREET SN

ECONOMIC IMPACT

IS CONSIDERABLE

THOUSANDS OF Cana-
dians make their living di-
rectly from the arts and cul-
tural industries.

By EVELYN JACOB
News Reporter . :

In 1985 alone, $1.1 billion was
spent directly on the visual, liter-
ary, and performing arts.

Although there are no precise
figures available for the North
Shore, annual direct spending in
the arts is estimated in the millions
of doliars, according to the North
Shore Cultural Plan.

**We don’t’ feel we have to
justify the arts on an economic
basis, tut our constituents must
know about the economic benefits.
We know that they’re consider-
able,”’ says Judy Dennis, a West:
Vancouver interior designer who
chairs the North Shore Aris
Commission.

Measuring the full economic
impact of the arts on the North
Shore is one of the many areas the
newly-formed commission will be

8.

Dennis says that with a

resurgence of interest in the arts,

are attending more cul-
tural events than sporting events.
At the same time local expectations
of cultural programs offered for
their children have increased, she
says.
“The time is ripe for local
organizations and governments to
give more support to the arts,’’
says Dennis. That West Vancouver
has turned the old ferry building
into an art gallery is evidence
things are finally starting to hap-
pen, she suid. ‘‘We’re on the brink
of a very exciting era.””

Studies show that every dollar
spent on a cultural event brings an
additional dollar in sales and reve-

TAKING TIME out after their busy summer theatre season, the staff of Presentation House pose for a photo. The multi-media facility is home to a
photo gallery, a folk club and a theatre. The North Vancouver Community Arts Council also works out of Presentation House. Pictured (left to right)
ure: Michael Fera, Toni Lynn, Briar Kerin, gallery curator Karen Love, Joy McLelland and Presentatier House director Kathleen Stringer.

PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE
NORTH SHORE FOR 26 YEARS
STONG’S YOUR HOME GROWN GROCER

F COMPARE aNrwniet

nue from areas such as food and
parking. The economic potential
of an arts community depends in
large part on the number of
visitors it draws. But in order to
attract audiences, artists need
publicity and a supportive en-
vironment in which to work.
Annual community events like
the Coho and Clam Chowder fes-
tivals have helped create a North
Shore cultural identity. Other big-
ticket draws are native heritage,
Centennial Theatre, Presentation
See Arts
Page 27

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