The Strand sat down with Katie Marsland, Arts and Culture Commissioner candidate, to discuss her platform and the direction she envisions for the commission over the next year. Marsland emphasized her desire for more collaborative events between the commission and other student groups, as well as arts programming geared towards supporting mental and physical health.
The Strand: Why do you want this position?
Katie Marsland: I worked on the Arts and Culture Commission this year with Blanaid [the current Arts and Culture Commissioner], it was really wonderful to see all the potential we have. We didn’t have a lot of meetings, but I got to learn a lot about the portfolio which was wonderful because I got to see [what] the kinds of events you can organize and the outreach you can have, and it was really exciting to learn the way to influence people and meet people and help people whenever and wherever I can. So that was definitely what attracted me to the position.
Arts and culture, it’s something that I have always been interested in, I have an extensive arts background and I also think the arts are great for mental and physical health. There are so many benefits, and so I want to work to show people and help people.
What sort of skills do you think specifically you have to help with this position?
I would say that I am a really good team player. I love working and getting to know other people, and I think that it’s really good for an Arts and Culture Commissioner to know how to approach people and how to take feedback really well, and just learn. Because I’m not organizing events for myself, I’m trying to organize events that I think other people will like and will gain something from.
What is one event in the Arts and Culture portfolio that you thought was executed particularly well this past year and that you would like to continue?
Blanaid did a really great comedy night. It wasn’t terribly well attended because it was on a Friday night, but I really enjoyed going. It’s new to the portfolio, [the Arts and Culture Commission] is required to have open mic nights, but she took it in a different direction, and I really enjoyed that and I think everyone who was in attendance really enjoyed that. If I am elected and I decide to have that event again next year, I think I might make it earlier in the semester if possible, because it was at such a busy time, but I think it’s a really great way to let students relax. Because that type of event is more lowkey, it gives people the opportunity to test out comedy, if it’s something they’re interested in, in a lower pressure environment with friends.
What is one thing that you think could be improved upon, or a hole that you see in the current portfolio?
As a whole, I would like to direct the portfolio toward collaborations. It was mentioned in the VUSAC Elections Forum [on Facebook] that the Arts and Culture Commissioner in the past hasn’t really approached arts student organizations on campus a lot, and that’s something I’m really interested in. Collaborative events with The Strand, or the Creative Writing Collective, or Vic Dance—anyone who’s willing, really. There are definitely fields [of art] I am not as familiar with, so I would love to get feedback and help from students who are. I think that’s a great way to reach more students if possible.
What is a new initiative that you would be excited to implement?
Creating more programming geared toward helping with mental and physical health. I have a background in dance, and I would really like to start drop-in dance classes, because that’s a great way to give students a chance to take a step back and have some fun, and get a little work out in.
How do you plan on increasing the visibility of these events around campus; making sure that our community knows what’s going on and knows how to get involved?
I would love to put my contact information on any posters we put up for any events. Not everyone has access to the Facebook pages, so if we could put it on posters that would be great. I also think that, in general, it would be a really good idea to have a list in the residences of the contact information for any VUSAC staff member so that they know who to contact.
Also, as I mentioned, working with clubs and levies and groups on campus as a way to reach out to more people who might not necessarily come to these events. If they know it’s in collaboration with another organization, they might be more inclined to come.
You mentioned in your platform that you would like to push for more discounted tickets to events. Can you elaborate on what kinds of events you would like to make more available to students in this way?
I always loved going to the Nutcracker ballet when I was growing up, and I think especially around that time of year it’s such a stressful time. If someone wants to take a night off and just take a little time to relax I would love to reach out to any organizations who are putting on the ballet and see if we can get some sort of deal worked out.
As well, I know Blanaid’s been doing discounted tickets to the ROM and Ripley’s, and I would love to continue to do that as well. Generally, smaller galleries as well, with more private artists as a way to get their names out and so maybe they can connect with any students who are interested [in pursuing the arts] as well. It’s really hard to find arts-related jobs, I would really love to help students find potential in those areas as well if they’re interested.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
