Re Design Rupert hosting Live stream of Prince George Speaker series Thursday

The Community Development Institute, the UNBC based organization that has been tasked with the Re Design Rupert program is hosting a public event on Thursday, offering a chance for local residents to take in the next event in their ongoing Speakers' Series.

The local event takes place in UNBC's Room 188 at Northwest Community College on 5th Street from 7 until 8:30 PM.

The theme for the evening's discussion  is the arts and culture sector and how the creative sector is emerging as a new economic engine. The line up of speakers on the night will share some of their thoughts and experiences on how culture, particularly music can contribute to the economy and quality of life in our communities.

In a media release from late March, the CDI noted the importance of the arts and culture to communities.

In many communities, the arts and culture sector plays a key role in building economic diversification. Events such as music festivals and concerts, theatre performances, art exhibits, and cultural attractions draw people who, in addition to purchasing tickets, will spend money on meals, hotels, and shopping.

The Featured Guest Speaker for Thursday evening is Teresa McQuarrie former Vancouver Island University professor and community music organizer.

A panel group will also offer their thoughts on the night's theme with Margaret Inoue, Economic Development Officer for the District of Wells, Daniel Bell a Prince George based music and event promoter and Aidyl Jago who is involved with a number of Prince Georg based  musical organizations all providing contribution to the discussion.

Moderator for the evening will be Marleen Morris, the Co-Director of the Community Development Institute at UNBC.

The Rupert audience will also be able to watch a live performance from Raghu Lokanathan during the course of hour and half program, with refreshments also to be provided.

You can learn more about Thursday's event here.

The Community Development Institute set up shop at the Community Futures Office on 3rd Avenue West in February, introducing the 150,000 dollar Re: Design Rupert project, a community engagement program that will be financially assisted through the city's Funding for Major Projects.

More on their work in the community can be found from the Re Design Rupert website

If you can't make it to the NWCC campus to sit on the local feed, you can also follow the conversation through a live stream set up through the CDI You Tube feed.

An archive of items related to the Re Design initiative and sustainable city concepts can be found here.