Lunenburg's mayor lays out blueprint for town's arts and culture success

While it may still be best known as the birthplace of the Bluenose and as a vibrant fishing port,in recent years, Lunenburg, N.S.,has becomea magnet for creative talent.

"I think it's tied to the fact that we're a heritage community," said Mayor RachelBailey, noting that a strong tourism industry also gives the townand itsartistsa boost.

Bailey was in Sydney on Thursday and was asked byorganizers of the Growing theCreative Economy Conference to come and share how a town of 2,300 has been making such a success of its artistic and cultural sector.

"We've been looking to build on that," she said.

Diversified economy

Bailey also pointed to the town's diversified economy, which includestraditional fishing and marine-related industries, and a video game development company that employs 80 people, HB Studios.

Ten years ago, the town established a partnership with NSCAD Universitywhich has resulted in a further strengthening of the artistic fabric of the community.

The university has a Community Studio Residency program thatprovides some recent gradswith a studio for one year in a number of communities, one of which is in Lunenburg.

"It's an opportunity for them to build their body of work," said Bailey.

She says while the artistsare free to move on after the year is up, a number of them have chosen to stay in Lunenburg.

As well, local artists havecreated an onlinemap featuringLunenburg's21 artists and artisans, and their galleries.

Bailey is especially enthusiastic about the latest advancement in the town's cultural quest. Two years ago, the former Lunenburg Academy was repurposed and became theLunenburg Academy of Music Performance.

"It's a beautiful, iconic building," she said.

Strong leadership

Another recent development, the Lunenburg School for the Arts, is located at the corner of Prince andMontague streets.

As for what advice she would give to others hoping to learn from Lunenburg's success, Bailey points to strong leadership and a commitment from local people to see it through.

"It requires planting seedsand cultivating them by being champions of itas municipal leaders,and finding other champions in the community," she said.