By the time you read this, the lights will been turned off for the last time and the Creative Burlington sign on our front door will be a memory.
Since the announcement, we have received many, many letters and phone calls thanking us for the work that Creative Burlington members, its board and staff have done over the years to raise the profile of arts in Burlington. Some brought tears to our eyes and a few even caused a very large lump in our throats.
It has been quite the journey, and as most journeys, filled with hills to climb, curves in the road and beautiful valleys to enjoy. Arts is finding its way in Burlington one step at a time. An arts district is emerging. With the Burlington Art Centre on the west, the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre east of that, and smatters of public art strategically placed, the physical framework is emerging. We have enjoyed a growing festival industry, the creation of partnerships between the arts and business and the celebration and recognition of local artists in all genres and ages. The doors to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre are now open, the Burlington Art Centre is presenting a film festival and educators are working to incorporate arts as a creative learning tool at all levels of education.
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be part of Creative Burlington, and Performing Arts Burlington before that. We are proud of the work we have done and know that while it won’t be under this banner, our passion and drive to see arts have its rightful place in this community will not stop. Through the Arts Matter TV show on Cogeco and the www.artsmatter2me.ca initiatives we will trumpet the talents and the culture of arts.
Thank you for all you have brought to us and to the community. As the sun sets on Creative Burlington, create your artistic masterpiece and share it with everyone you meet. It’s contagious.
From the staff of Creative Burlington:
Deb Tymstra, Executive Director
Heather Ableson, Creative Director
Andrew Nicholson, Publication Manager
