Arts Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) are thinking outside the box in terms of how to spark civic engagement.
On May 3, the Maury Young Arts Centre will host “Four Futures,” an art exhibition derived from the Whistler Sessions project. Seven local creatives contributed to the event: Allison Burns Joseph, Ron Denessen, Michaela Ivancova, Sherry Klassen, Rob LeBlanc, Heidi Mattson and Erik Van Meerbergen.
“People can expect interesting and different perspectives on our potential futures,” said Arts Whistler executive director Maureen Douglas. “A picture’s worth a thousand words, so we hope that there will be jumping-off points for further discussion to look at all kinds of different variables that [could impact] Whistler’s future.”
The Whistler Sessions presents a group of scenarios picturing what could take place in the Sea to Sky corridor through 2050. The initiative’s website explains these stories are not meant to predict what will happen nor what should happen, but rather to get people thinking about possibilities and how to realize or avoid them—depending on the situation.
According to RMOW chief administrative officer Ginny Cullen, not everyone got the point right away. That’s why she and her peers teamed up with Douglas and company to reframe the project.
“Not all art is there to make you feel good, but it is there to make you think differently,” Cullen said. “In a mountain town, it can be difficult to look into the future because our tourism industry is based on snow and the planet is warming. But we need to have this discussion and consciously select the future we want.
“Art is, I would say, one of the more powerful ways to get a message across to people. It very much deals with the emotional level, and when we think about the future in Whistler, people are very much emotionally connected to it.”
‘Unwavering passion’
Great variety can be found in the dozen or so artworks at hand. Some are pre-existing, while others were purpose-made for the exhibit. There are emerging artists like LeBlanc, a construction worker-turned carpentry wizard, as well as community favourites like Van Meerbergen—whose talent for collage tends to fly under the radar as most know him from the Big Love Band.
Denessen and Ivancova both addressed Whistler’s ability to weather proverbial storms in their submissions.
“My goal is to elicit an optimistic and a comforting response to the uncertainties and fears that can come with changing climate conditions, specifically in our alpine environment,” said Denessen in a press release. “Through innovation, restraint, and perseverance, it is my hope that my children can continue to enjoy Whistler winters in a resilient and sustainable mountain village. Our future looks bright.”
Added Ivancova: “Whistler is currently one of the world’s most renowned resorts. Despite any potential difficulties or challenges that may arise in the future for the people of Whistler, their unwavering passion for the mountains will always endure. People will find ways to enjoy their lives here, regardless of any obstacles that they may face.”
Of course, climate change isn’t the only hot-button topic at play. Housing and general affordability will continue to be vital issues going forward.
Right-brained
Four Futures represents a unique intersection of art, science and municipal policy. Douglas praised Cullen and her RMOW cohorts for being open-minded and inviting artists to express themselves openly, even if they bring somewhat controversial material to the table.
Locals are encouraged not just to ponder what they see, but make their own voices heard by way of some interactive elements. A timeline wall will help people visualize what has changed in the last 25 years and what might come to fruition in the next quarter-century. There is also a blank wall where visitors may post their own thoughts and hopes.
“We need to use our right brains more often, and in that way we find more creative solutions,” Cullen said. “The future is going to demand that of us.”
All in all, Douglas thinks the upcoming engagement night presents a healthy reflection of Whistler.
“Artists are some of the most valuable people in a community, but also some of the most vulnerable people in any community,” she said. “We’re doing our best to create a future for Whistler that always includes artists because they are part of the ties that bind the community together.”
Four Futures will take place this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. More information is available at artswhistler.com/calendar-upcoming/four-futures-whistlers-way-forward.
