Council asked to consider Hamilton Arts grant

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As they deliberate the budget, Hamilton’s cash-strapped council is being asked to consider a 500 thousand dollar grant for the arts community. The question they need to answer is whether the additional money is truly an investment in the city’s economic development.

They contribute millions of dollars in economic development – bringing diners, drinkers and investors to Hamilton’s downtown core. Despite councils efforts to find ways to keep our taxes low, there is growing support to fund an additional five hundred thousand dollars for Hamiltons arts community. “The Arts Funding task force has proven economic development and proven investment versus handout as it relates to arts and culture funding in this city.” says Hamilton City Councillor Jason Farr.

“Annually we put 12 million dollars of economic development dollars into the city we employ about 300 people…we put almost 4 million dollars into downtown restaurants from Ferguson Avenue all the way over to Locke Street.” Says Lorna Zaremba from Theatre Aquarius.

The area of James St. North is considered the hub of the Hamilton art scene. It’s also considered to be one of the reasons why Hamilton’s image has shifted from that of a Steel town to an evolving arts community. “You need a little bit like a SOHO – an environment to flourish and I think James St. North began doing this” explains Vitek Wincza of the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts “people are striving for the arts more”.