"Get involved," entreats Melissa Tarrant of White Rock Arts Council. September signals not only a return to school, all our grassroots arts organizations are looking for members to join them in the everyday work of generating a vibrant arts community. Yep, it is work, and it takes people volunteering their time. So a little incentive to give up an evening or two for the arts is always welcome.

Join White Rock Arts Council on Sept. 16 between 6 and 8 p.m. for the kickoff for its fall series. The incentive? Art, wine, delicious food and great music by local musician James Devon! It's not all party time, though, as the evening also includes unveiling the new "Semiahmoo Arts" re-branding, goals for the future and opportunities for you to get involved. It's all about social contact, or networking. Think about attending, bring a friend or two. And, p.s., Melissa would appreciate it if you could RSVP with your party number by Sept. 14, email melissa@whiterockartscouncil.com.

The Arts Council of Surrey has had a busy summer getting its new building ready for occupancy. They have been renovating the old firehall on 72nd Avenue and making it into Newton Cultural Centre. It will house offices and classroom and performance spaces. The grand opening is slated for the end of September, and bet on a big party to celebrate that event. And here we have to say thank you to the City of Surrey for its support. Projects like this just don't happen without lots of funding, so we appreciate it. And you might just want to join this arts council as well. Send an email to info@artscouncilofsurrey.ca. You can read the history and check out the member list on the website, artscouncilofsurrey.ca.

Delta, New Westminster, Langley, Vancouver and all points between also boast vibrant arts councils. These local councils can belong to BC Arts Council, an umbrella organization. It all sounds so wonderfully interconnected and organized and the arts should just flow into our communities as easily as tap water that you don't have to boil first. Yes, well, that would be nice. And too often we, the general public, fail to appreciate the sacrifices of others who keep the arts flowing.

Over the past year, we have faced almost daily announcements of cuts to funding for the arts. And now the HST will be applied to dance and music lessons, among other things. This hurts. It seems we can't do anything about it -- it feels that way, anyway. So my hat goes off to Jane Danzo, who resigned last month as the chair of BC Arts Council. She gave up her non-volunteer position in order to have an effective voice to the government, re: funding for the arts. BC Arts Council operates under the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, you see. Well, good for her; that was not an easy decision.

Alliance for Arts and Culture executive director Amir Ali Alibhai congratulated Mrs. Danzo on her decision. "We appreciate and applaud Jane's courage and integrity in taking this step," Mr. Alibhai said. "The arts community is, without question, in crisis, and to have someone of Mrs. Danzo's position and stature stand up and speak truth to power on our behalf is a major development and source of encouragement."

One person, one voice. Think anyone is listening? Ah, I thought not. Perfect time to join your local arts council and get involved. It isn't summer anymore.

melminty@telus.net

EDITOR'S NOTE:

On Wednesday, Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, announced that British Columbia Arts Council will administer $7 million in funding provided through the B.C. government's 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy to support its strategic plan.

The move has been welcomed by Stan Hamilton, interim chair of the council. "The additional (funding) means the council will be able to advance the goals set out in our strategic plan, with a large portion of these funds going towards increased support for council's operating clients, as indicated by the minister last month," Hamilton told the media.

"The council's board will immediately review the programs that council staff has been developing in recent months in order to ensure that the program details and the funds may be released to the community promptly."