And All the World's a Stage

The City of London is a city filled with creative energy. There are lots of places around town that can attest to that. The downtown milieu is complete with graffiti, architecture, and events. The London Arts Project, The Grand Theatre, The Palace Theatre, The Potter's Guild, etc., all contribute to a creative environment.

Very recently, London hosted a car-free Sunday on Dundas street (the heart of downtown). The town crier was ringing his bell to kick off the main stage events on September 26th. Museum London was there with sidewalk chalk for the kids to create their own art, and there was a make-your-own-button stand, and many bands to serenade the street-walkers. On this day, my personal favorite sanctuary was the used bookstore "Attic Books". I spent lots of time and money searching out old Shakespearean prints and checking out their plays. I also ended up purchasing a book on the making of the musical RENT from Anthony Rapps perspective. This bookstore holds some amazing treasures for art-lovers and history buffs. There was lots of positive energy, people to participate, and events galore.

On this same weekend was the kick-off of the nation-wide "Culture Days". I was given a huge pamphlet  create by the London Arts Council, which told me what events were going on. I knew precisely where I wanted to be. I went to check out The Grand Theatre first. I immediately noticed that there were more people running the event than hosting it. I signed up for the "Props Workshop" along with two 12year old girls. The workshop was hosted by the head of the prop department, John Shearer. Our task was to create fake food that would be perfect for a stage production. We all made delicious-looking donuts out of foam, beads and glue.. yum yum. I had a lot of fun at the theatre and I thought that a lot of people missed out. To be honest, the entire event was poorly advertised. The date coincided with downtown London's Car-Free Sunday, and it seemed that the marketing of the event was limited to those that read either "The Beat" or "Scene" magazine. Most people had no idea what was happening. I wandered all the way over to the Aeolian Hall to check out the music appreciation event, only to be left stranded in their reception hall and peer awkwardly into the performance hall and see three people standing around a piano. I did not feel welcomed or motivated to join the group. Just across the street the Palace Theatre put on a page-to-stage workshop only to discover that due to poor advertising, only their direct volunteers participated. I realize that this event kicked-off this year, and I also realize that there wasn't an excessive amount of money to advertise, but a lot of the terrific opportunities were missed by the general public. If the arts are for everyone, then perhaps we need to reach out more vigorously.

The one interesting thing that the London Arts Council did was to create London's own Poet Laureate. In doing so the event got front-page publicity in the London Free Press. I understand that creating one was a strategic move for putting London on the map... but I don't think it helps Londoners enjoy their arts and feel like part of a community. If anything I think it may contribute to the "elitist" attitude that the arts maintains.

I look forward to more Car-Free Sundays and Culture Days in the future. I guess I will keep my eye out for the ads.