AQW News
Are YOU Creative?
We're reaching out to artists and artisans in the Quinte region.
Local arts organization Arts Quinte West has announced the launch of ‘Are YOU Creative?’, an initiative to reach out to artists and artisans in the Quinte region. The goal of the campaign is to attract new members to the group, whose mandate is to promote and support all artistic disciplines in Quinte West.
Initially formed in 2008 by a group of painters and photographers looking for more local opportunities to show their work, Arts Quinte West currently has over 40 members spanning a wide range of visual, musical and literary art forms as well as artisans in pierced tinwork and porcelain repair. The organization has grown quickly and has attracted support from the local business community through its business membership program.
Local artist Chris Cromwell, Membership Director for Arts Quinte West, is spearheading the current membership drive. Cromwell points out that “creativity isn’t limited to what we traditionally think of as ‘art’ – we welcome all forms of creative expression, from architects and culinary artists to potters and web designers. When artists of different disciplines come together, great ideas happen.” He goes on to say “membership is open to anyone who pursues a creative endeavour either professionally or for personal enjoyment, or to individuals or businesses who want to support the local artistic community.”
The ‘Are YOU Creative?’ campaign will consist of signage in member businesses directing people to the group’s website as well as reaching out to local artists online through Facebook and Twitter. Cromwell is also speaking with arts students at area high schools with the hope of attracting and providing support to young artists. A graduate of the Arts Program at Trenton High School, he has a keen understanding of the challenges creative teens face when considering a future in the arts.
Arts Quinte West receives support from the City of Quinte West and the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce and was the recipient of a Trenval grant to develop their website.
For more information on membership in AQW or the ‘Are YOU Creative?” campaign, contact Chris Cromwell directly at membership@artsquintewest.ca