If You Can't Say Something Nice
By Amanda Nicole on November 30, 2007 - 7:09pm
One of the writer's blogs I frequent suggested a topic for bloggers today: say something nice. I think I can do that. In keeping with the theme of this blog, I'll recount the reasons why being an artist in Vancouver is a fabulous thing to be:
* Vancouver is open-minded. Despite the policies and beliefs of our current Prime Minister, Vancouver in particular has a reputation for being culturally tolerant and an advocate of free speech and the right to protest. I see those protesters vocalizing against the captive animals in the Vancouver Aquarium, the rumps planted firmly on the grass in front of City Hall, the picketers soldiering through the sleet and chill, and I am grateful for their--for our--freedom to do so. What does this have to do with being an artist? If you think you're an artist and don't realize the importance of free speech, well, you've got another think coming.
* We have art galleries abound. Even if your work isn't in one of them, the fact that you can't walk five blocks in any direction in the core of the city without hitting a place that features local artists on its walls is very heartening indeed, and that you can mozy on in and have a gander anytime you like.
* Our coffee culture provides a platform for artists. Not only a meeting place of the artistic minds, but almost every coffee shop either displays visual art on its walls, bears a stage for musicians and spoken word artists, or holds literary readings. Not to mention they employ a hell of a lot of us.
* We're known as the city of festivals. Music, literature, drama--you name an art form, we have a festival for it. For a city as wet as Vancouver, we sure love our free outdoor festivals and we're not afraid to wear full-body rain slickers to prove it. I do draw the line for sanity, though, at those little one-man umbrella hats.
* We have Poetry in Transit. OK, it's not a huge deal, but it kind of is. Just the fact that anyone who takes the bus can park their dripping boots underneath a blurb of local, professional poetry and take it in at their leisure is enough to put a smile on my face. I see people craning their necks, silently mouthing the lines, and then turning back to the window looking a bit more contemplative than when they first stepped onto the bus. Kids asking their parent to read it out loud and then wondering what it means, and the parent having to think about it before answering. Good stuff.
What are your reasons for being an artist in Vancouver, I mean besides that fact that you just happen to be artist and just happen to be living in Vancouver? What makes this city conducive to work, to play? C'mon, spread the love.
This article also appears on my blog for Vancouver writers,
I've never heard of Vancouver being called the "city of festivals". That's actually Edmonton. AFAIK, we were the no fun city.
Haha, I know I've heard Vancouver being called the No Fun city, but whenever summertime rolls around I read it all over the place. I think it's mostly people who aren't from here who think it's no fun.
Whaddaya mean, "No Fun" ? Has Edmonton got one of these ?
Perhaps it is time you followed fundamental blogging decorum. It is OK to make harsh slanderous comments about someone's blog. But when you go after their character like referring to Bruce as "Brucey" in your opening line...look out.
I have known Bruce for over 20 years he is very passionate in politics and nobody here at the office would dare call this 250 lb. 400 lb. bench pressing frame "Brucey". You crossed the line on blogging etiquette. If you don't like his blog philosophy then just don't read it. (You know his username). I know he called you an idiot at the end of his back atcha comment. Knowing him as I do he was probably putting closure to your unnecessary character slander. You don't want this big man coming after you. "Shame on you" If I were you I would apologize or do something you seem to be good at - moving on - and off this blog site.
what?