Cultural Mapping Project

Between January and June of 2010, the community was invited to discuss the nature and importance of arts, culture and heritage in the Sooke Region.  The intention of the exercise was to understand and document the arts, cultural and heritage resources that exist in the region; what supports or challenges local endeavors; what gaps are perceived by community members; and what community members think might be done to address those gaps. The project involved surveys, community and youth interviews and public meetings and collected the input of 370 interested individuals and organizations.

The resulting report, entitled “Cultural Mapping Project”, can be viewed here.

The second stage of the ArtsWave Cultural Mapping Project, is the Cultural PLANNING Project, which got underway in December of 2010. Some frequently asked questions about the Cultural Planning Project are listed here:

1. Why is this project taking place in the community?
Both the District of Sooke and Juan de Fuca Region support arts, heritage and culture as being intrinsic to the community’s identity, livability, and diversity.  In the OCP the District of Sooke has stated “it is the goal of the community of Sooke to sustain its unique cultural identity by honouring and supporting the history, celebrating the community diversity, and promoting a dynamic arts and cultural community.”

2. Who are the funders for the project and how much has each contributed?
The Cultural Planning Project is being sponsored through joint funding received from several sources. 

  • 2010 Legacies Now, Creative Communities Grant - $10,000 Cash
  • The District of Sooke - $8,500 In-kind
  • Juan de Fuca Economic Development Commission - $2,000 Cash
  • Sooke Fine Arts Society  - $2,000 Cash, $3,000 In-Kind
  • Sooke Community Arts Council - $2,000 Cash
  • Sooke Region Tourism Association - $2,000 Cash

3. What is Cultural Planning?
Cultural Planning is a process of inclusive community consultation and decision-making that helps identify cultural resources and thinks about how these resources can help a community to achieve its civic goals.  It is a way of looking at all aspects of a community’s cultural life as “community assets” with an understanding how these resources bring value to both human and community development.

4. Why is it Important?
Cultural Planning will help to ensure the region will remain distinctive and unique.  It will mean planning ways to support and preserve our heritage, developing appealing opportunities for artists and musicians regardless of age, and generating education and employment.  It will mean building a creative community with a buzz.

5. What are the objectives for the project?
This task force will be charged with taking the priority objectives of the Cultural Mapping Project and developing a Cultural Plan to move these objectives forward. Some of the identified objectives include:

  • Facilitating greater communication and cooperation among local arts and heritage organizations;
  • Coordinating volunteer support;
  • Sharing knowledge, equipment and administrative support;
  • Understanding grants and funding;
  • Providing further educational components for arts and cultural activities;
  • Reviewing opportunities for the creation of arts and cultural festivals and events;
  • Identifying more arts programming suitable for youth ages 15-18;
  • Securing greater connection with and visibility for local and First Nations artists and their work;
  • Identifying improvements and renovations required to meet the needs of performance venues;
  • Considering long term future planning for art centre designed facilities.

6.  Is membership on the Task Force open to the general public?
The Cultural Planning Project is open to anyone in the community representing arts, culture and heritage. It is meant to be an inclusive community process.