Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA) is seeking long-term support from City of Powell River to replace the former agreement that has expired.
At the February 18 committee of the whole meeting, PRISMA artistic director Arthur Arnold appeared as a delegation and thanked the city for the 12 years of support since PRISMA’s inception.
“Every year, you have supported us, both financial and in-kind, which is very important,” said Arnold. “Granting agencies, when we apply for grants, look at whether we get local support, and yes, all three local governments support PRISMA.”
Arnold said PRISMA is a classical music festival, where 80 students of very high level come from all over the world. Last year, they came from 18 countries and came together to play in the PRISMA festival orchestra, where there are performances of the most exciting and difficult repertoire, said Arnold. There are also 25 guest artists from leading orchestras who teach the students, and play chamber music.
Arnold said during the two weeks of the festival each year, there are about 50 musical events.
“It’s really good for this community,” said Arnold. “It builds connection, it builds community, it involves young people. We go into the community, playing in schools, playing concerts.
“We are rich in our community to have these events. It adds to the well-being of our region.”
Arnold said PRISMA also has a free concert at Willingdon Beach each year, which is always a success and a lot of fun. During the afternoons of PRISMA, people can sit in on master classes and limelight concerts, where students or guest artists perform.
“You actually see the students improving in front of your eyes,” said Arnold.
PRISMA facilitates cross-cultural connections, not only with the students and teachers from around the world, but also including Tla’amin Nation, said Arnold.
“Every year we sing together on the beach, combining western and traditional music,” said Arnold. “Last year, 10 of our Tla’amin singers went to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO). I conducted the VSO, the 10 Tla’amin singers were right in front of the stage, and we did three of their songs. There were 14 PRISMA students in the VSO. It was the highlight of the evening.”
Performing arts are an economic driver, and according to Stats Canada, has a multiplier of 2.05.
“Every dollar that PRISMA spends returns 2.05 times,” said Arnold.
He said PRISMA has roughly an $800,000 budget and it is probably going to increase over the years, so with the multiplier effect, the financial consequences to qathet region are significant.
“It’s a great return if you think about the contribution we get from the city,” said Arnold.
His request was for the in-kind contributions from the city to continue, for such uses as Powell River Recreation Complex. He said PRISMA would also like to receive $20,000 per year from the city, which is a little more than the contributions for the first 12 years.
“I would also like to talk about a multi-year agreement again,” said Arnold. “It ran out this year. It would be good for planning purposes.”
The committee unanimously passed a motion to direct staff to work with PRISMA to renew the expired agreement and negotiate new terms.
Arnold then played a selection on his cello for those in attendance at council chambers.
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