Creative Communities - BC Library Conference 2015

Whether it's the increasing number of practical examples of libraries turning their spaces into community hubs of cultural activity such as maker spaces; or the academic research on the importance of cultural spaces in cities and communities. The evidence is in: it pays for libraries to invest in creativity and culture.  Applying her knowledge and experience in community cultural planning and cultural infrastructure development in Canada, Eileen Gillette will take a behind-the-scenes look at cultural engagement strategies; placemaking and the role libraries play in building sustainable creative communities. The session will be broken down into three key areas. The first area will examine the cultural elements of creative communities. Exploring real stories of how communities are repurposing spaces for cultural uses, taking over abandoned storefronts for special events, developing public art in unconventional places and integrating creative technology into arts programming.   The second part of the session will review how libraries are described and discussed in the cultural sector. Highlighting areas where libraries are well defined in creative community discussions and where they are surprisingly absent from the conversation. Advocating for the need for libraries to take a seat at the cultural table and share our stories/experiences with others.    The final part of the session will review community cultural development practices and steps towards integrating a cultural lens into the library. Providing attendees with a creative toolkit of ideas and practices that can be taken back to their libraries.