CIEL CVI community to host next G8 Summit

Community Vitality Initiative (CVI) community to host G8 Summit - Huntsville, Ontario will host the G8 Summit next June. Huntsville participated in the CVI last year, helping it with its community planning process.

For more on the CVI

Click to download the Huntsville CVI report (in pdf):

Phase I - Assessment

Phase I - Summary

Arts & Culture Needed For Communities to Thrive

Part of CIEL's Mike Stolte & Anna Planedin's address to the Nelson & District Arts Council (NDAC) Annual General Meeting July 8, 2009.

In a vital community there are galleries, concerts, and celebrations. There are people working in cultural and creative occupations.

It is becoming widely recognized that a rich cultural life attracts talented, educated new residents with young families. A diverse arts scene is part of the quality of life they are seeking for themselves and their children. Festivals and cultural events are linked to a greater sense of community.

How well does your community do in these key areas? The following are some of the key indicators CIEL's research revealed are important in thriving communities.

• We celebrate the arts and support local artists.
• The community has adequate displays of public art: sculptures, murals, etc.
• There are numerous opportunities to see local live theatre, and live music in a variety of genres: (classical, folk, hip-hop, choral, jazz, etc.)
• There is a pleasant and inviting venue for theatre and other special events that is open to people of all ages.
• There are numerous opportunities, in and out of school, for children to learn the arts (dance classes, etc.)
• There are adequate opportunities and venues for local artists and craftspeople to display and sell their work.
• We have at least one public festival that generates a feeling of magic and excitement.
• We are aware of and celebrate local history.
• The library is valued by the community.
• The community has a distinct culture and heritage that is appreciated by the community.
• The community has a distinct culture and heritage that is appreciated by visitors to the community.

Contact CIEL for more info on these & other of the Community Vitality Initiative [CVI] indicators. The 95 CVI indicators were developed by CIEL over two years utilizing an extensive literature review, team experience in the field and guidance from a national steering committee.

Photo: CIEL's Communication Co-ordinator Anna Planedin