The Wrecking Ball

I attended a wonderful event this evening called The Wrecking Ball. Taking place in 10 cities across Canada, the Calgary edition presented 4 plays, 2 spoken word pieces and performance by the incomparable Kris Demeanor. The Wrecking Ball is "a benefit for the Department of Culture, an independent group of artists who are concerned with the current place of culture in the national political conversation." Interestingly, the plays were written within the last week. For more information go to
http://www.thewreckingball.ca/performances/329/the-wrecking-ball---calgary
Simon Mallett, deep in the theatrical community, organized and MCed. Adding powerful symbolism to the event, Simon took a call from the Winnipeg contigent to get the program started and he also called the Edmonton group part way through. This was truly coast to coast. And standing room only.

Art in Schools

Michelle, a campaign volunteer, and I visited constituents in Mission today. Another community where people sit on their front porches. One of the residents emphasized the importance of arts and culture, not only in terms of museums and galleries, but as a communication and healing tool in schools and health care facilities respectively. Schools have had to cut their arts programs and don't have sufficient funds to bring in artists to teach. This makes it very difficult for artists to make this important work viable, depriving young people and those who are ill of the benefits of the arts.