I strongly believe that the town of Richmond Hill could be a leading town in developing the arts.
We have the best location in the whole of York Region, an area which can be reached from almost anywhere. We also have a very classy theatre where artists’ backgrounds, professional or otherwise, can display their talent. Most importantly, the town has an art policy in place, which strategizes how we can move the arts to a higher level.
Recently, council established a Public Art Reserve Fund of $200,000 to be considered in the 2013 operating budget, with an additional $75,000 to be provided from future operating budgets starting in 2014. In order to make the art policy even stronger, council has also approved a 1.5 per cent contribution of the capital budget for the construction and expansion of all municipal buildings larger than 500 square metres. This amount is to be allocated to the Public Art Reserve Fund as of 2014.
On a personal note, I am proud to say that, for many years, I have been organizing galas and other fundraising events, through Arts Richmond Hill, to build a sculpture for the town.
Finally, the funds are in place, and a sculpture has just been approved by council to be erected in front of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
This bronze sculpture is about 14 feet tall, will cost approximately $200,000 and will be unveiled on Sept. 28, 2013, for the celebration of the 140th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Richmond Hill.
Long live the arts!