Local lore and memories fuel Riley Park, Sunset Artists in Communities projects

March 25, 2010 (No. 13) - Two artist teams have been chosen through the Vancouver Park Board’s 2010 Artists in Communities program. The teams – one at Riley Park/Hillcrest and the other at Sunset/Moberly – will be connecting with the local communities to gather memories and stories and then incorporating those memories into art projects.

Riley Park/Hillcrest: Artist Lisa G Nielsen and artist intern Lisa Walker will be gathering stories from local residents to capture the history and flavour of this unique neighbourhood. From a production studio at Riley Park Community Centre, the duo will share tips on everything from digital photography to short story writing, from filmmaking to creating a blog. Residents are invited to participate by sharing their personal connections to the community, whether they are humourous, anecdotal or thoughtful. Visit their blog rileyparkstories.blogspot.com for more information.

Sunset/Moberly: Artist Pat Beaton and artist intern Zee Kesler invite participation in Here and There, an art-making process that will generate community gatherings and surprise encounters with art and exchanges of local lore. The results will be the creation of three new artworks for permanent display at Sunset Community Centre, Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre and the Sunset Ice Rink. This project will focus on the life of the Sunset neighbourhood both past and present. Residents can leave their mark through engaged and inspired art making workshops. From these encounters, visual marks will be translated onto wooden panels and when put together, represent the past and present voices of the Sunset neighbourhood. Visit their blog art-hereandthere.blogspot.com for more information.

The Artists in Communities Program is based on principles of community cultural development and is funded by the Vancouver Park Board in partnership with community centre associations. Its purpose is to support artists working with communities on issues of joint interest or concern. The intention is that a lasting impact or legacy from the projects is created, whether it involves new understandings of creative processes, a stronger community bond or an artwork which remains in the community. For information on the program visit vancouverparks.ca or contact Danita Noyes, Community Arts Programmer.

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For more information contact Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8438.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.