Artistic inspiration and the spirit of community collaboration will be celebrated at Airdrie Public Library (APL) Sept. 29 with Voice and Vision 2018, an event that coincides with Alberta Culture Days throughout the province. “We’ve run this event the last few years – it’s a project between local visual artists and local writers here in the Airdrie community,” said Miranda Johnson, programming and customer engagement manager with APL. “This event is a conclusion to the project.” In May 2018, Johnson said, 14 writers from the Airdrie Writers’ Group exchanged work with 14 local artists, to gain inspiration from each other’s creative pieces. Then, the visuals artists and writers each created a response piece, she said – inspired by the partners they worked with throughout the summer. “It’s organic, the partnerships are formed within the group, between the artists and the writers,” Johnson said. “They collaborate with someone they find inspiring.” The Voice and Vision gala event marks the unveiling of the works created during the summer-long partnership, added Johnson. The artworks will be on display, and authors will be doing readings throughout the evening to share the writing that was inspired by the visual artist they were paired with. “We’re in, I believe, our third year,” Johnson said. “There’s always lots of interest from artists and writers from the community. And, with the alignment with Alberta Culture Days, there’s an even bigger engagement than just locally – this is supporting a province-wide initiative.” The project also supports APL’s mission, vision and values, according to Johnson. As a destination that Johnson said engages the mind, strengthens the community and enhances quality of life, APL is always looking for opportunities to bring Airdronians together. “One of our values is literacy and lifelong learning, so it’s important for us to support local writers and creatives – and provide these kinds of activities to allow them to share their work with the larger community,” she said. “I really hope they feel supported and encouraged by the community, in their artistic pursuits.” According to Johnson, the gala event will offer more than just an opportunity to explore the project and see the completed works – APL has arranged for live music, food and drinks, door prizes and interactive artistic activities to engage visitors of all ages. “Bring your inner artist and channel how you’re inspired by the artwork and the writing,” she said. “It’s a great chance to come out and meet the local arts community in a really fun way, and it’s good for all members of the family.” The Voice and Vision 2018 gala will be held at APL Sept. 29, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
