Everyone who has been around Columbia for a decade or longer knows that what was once a smattering of artists who knew about each others’ work, usually within their own disciplines, has become a thriving multi-disciplinary arts community in which visual artists support dancers, dancers support musicians, musicians go to readings, literary artists go to the theatre, theatre artists participate in and support indie film art, and so on and so on.

We have woven the kind of arts community that is hard to hold down, that we can all be proud of, and that makes the greater Columbia, SC area a much more satisfying, exciting, and inviting place to live. And we’ve done so with relatively few funding opportunities.

We are a force.

And it is time for folks to recognize this and give us our due.

On November 3^rd, Columbia will vote for City Council – one of the bodies of government that most intimately dictates the official place and power of the arts in the city. One Columbia for the Arts and culture has put together a candidates’ forum at which we can hold the candidates accountable for the role they think the arts should play in our city.

This is our opportunity to make our voices heard. All of us have many roles to play in the recovery and continued stability of our city and the culture we’ve built in the wake of our most recent tragedy. One of our roles is to make sure we elect a city council that will value and protect our arts.

Please be at 701 Whaley tomorrow night, have a drink, ask a question, hear some answers, and make an informed decision when you go to vote in November. YOUR PRESENCE ALONE WILL MAKE A TREMENDOUSE DIFFERENCE WHEN CANDIDATES LOOK OUT OVER THE CROWD OF ARTS VOTERS WHO ARE THERE.

Moderated by Ken May, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the format will include planned questions, yes/no questions, and input from you, arts community members.

Hosted by One Columbia, space kindly donated by 701 Whaley, sound donated by The Jam Room Recording Studio and a cash bar by The Whig!! Bring your questions and concerns, and keep your eyes out for updates!

Doors at 6:30, forum begins at 7

Find more info at https://www.facebook.com/events/1009924502393707/ —