Community arts body

Press, 13 August 1976, Page 4

Community arts body

The Christchurch Community Arts Council has been inaugurated, after a delay of 16 months. After a change of name—from the Canterbury Arts Council to the Christchurch Community Arts Council—and approval of two pages of amendments to the former body’s proposed constitution, itK officers were elected. Sixteen months ago the chairman of the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council told the "inaugural” meeting of the Canterbury Arts Council that its proposed constitution did not cater fully enough for community interests. although it ranged well over artistic ones.

The constitution was referred back to the interim executive for further investigation. and was reconsidered and passed last evening.

The council’s area will be Christchurch city and the

five counties of greater Christchurch, and may also include the Malvern and Ellesmere counties, and the three Banks Peninsula counties.

North Canterbury and Mid-Canterbury 7 Arts Councils have already been formed. The Christchurch Community Arts Council will coordinate local artistic and cultural activity, and will champion small and struggling groups and individuals.

Its powers will largely be advisory to the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council through the Southern Regional Arts Council, which takes in all of the South Island except the far north.

Its powers are closely defined under the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council Act, 1974. Amendments to tire constituiion last evening included a section that read,” “the Christchurch CommuInity Arts Council shall . . .

[comply with the policies and [rules from time to time laid down by the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council.”

"We can give it a go.” said Mr Reeves Harris, “and see how it works in practice.” The meeting last evening elected some members of an executive council which was to number not fewer than six nor more than 15.

Dame Ngaio Marsh was elected patron, and Mr Reeves Harris chairman, both in an interim capacity until the annual meeting in October. Mr E. R. Field-Dodgson was elected chairman of the music committee, Mr J. F. Gregory chairman of the performing arts committee, and Mr Miles Warren chairman of the visual arts committee. The chairman of the fourth committee — literature—will be elected at a meeting of representatives of literary groups.

The metropolitan and rural local bodies and the Broadcasting Council will have one representative each, yet to be elected. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury is included in the executive in the amended constitution, as

are “such other persons elected by the council” in a general meeting. Last evening those elected in this category were Mr D. E. Dailey, Mr C. B. McLachlan, and Mr D. Batten. The Regional Superintendent of Education may also stand for election.