The mission of the Abbotsford Arts Council is to act as a resource for local artists while promoting the vision, creativity, and energy of the community through the Arts.

But what are the Arts and how do they shape our community? What we know to be true, throughout history, is that the ARTS -- all of them, are beliefs and values in all societies that lead out, or draw from each of us - the art from within. The ARTS define and celebrate all aspects of our lives. The ARTS are the universal language that communicates to all peoples. That is why the arts continue -- they are values and beliefs. Values and beliefs are the very essence of who we are, and how we behave. Values and beliefs are constant in a changing world and society. The arts capture our essence, our purpose, our community, our world, through multi medium experiences that communicate and transcend to all cultures in all languages.

Dance, music, theatre, literature and visual arts activities enhance our communities through museums, theatres, concert halls, libraries and galleries. Private lessons and instruction, tutoring, and before and after school arts activities, celebrate the artistic interests, strengths, talents, and skills of eager learners. We require our community, Arts advocacy groups and associations to provide much needed grant funding, artist support, and materials to continuously enrich the environments of our communities. These activities and people help to shape the culture of our communities. Art teachers, teaching artists, arts enthusiasts, and volunteers, daily provide instructional and learning opportunities for all ages, all day, every day!

The Value of the Arts to the Community and Education is a very personal statement. It means something different to each of us. The commonality the statement brings is the value and belief that the arts are important to us and to our lives. President Lyndon Johnson said, “Art is a nation’s most precious heritage. For it is in our works of art that we reveal to ourselves and to others the inner vision which guides us as a nation. And where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Each day is a new painting, a new song, a new book, a new play, a new poem and a new dance. And we are all the richer for it.

Charles D. Wiebe
President
Abbotsford Arts Council

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