MANITOULIN—While 2022 was unusual due to the pandemic, 4elements Living Arts (4e) had another successful year.
“2022 was yet another unusual year, but we are pleased to say that our communities continue to engage with land-based arts, and we know that 2023 will be a time for still more exciting opportunities to bring land, arts and community together,” said Susan Snelling, president of 4e on behalf of the board of directors at the groups annual meeting recently.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, arts and community organizations were hard hit, like so many other industries. But we focused on creating opportunities for artists to do their important cultural work in a way that still engages community,” said Ms. Snelling. She pointed out 4e is pleased to be delivering on their vision and mission, “engaged experiences of land, arts and community, and our mission statement is to nurture and inspire community engagement in land-based arts on Manitoulin Island.”
4elements was supported once again with Ontario Arts Council core operations funding this year. “We are grateful to the OAC for this critical support,” said Ms. Snelling.
In the past year 4elements continued with its artist in residence program, taking place in its mobile studio. “The mobile studio will allow us to further our goal to be less tied to one place, and more able to deliver programs in a variety of locations as the need arises. The mobile studio is live/workspace for artist residencies, allowing artists to spend a period of time immersed in a location to do land-based work,” explained Ms. Snelling.
“Georgia Hathaway was our second artist in residence in the mobile studio, staying in Ice lake for her time with us,” said Ms. Snelling. “Georgia is a musician and songwriter, who wrote several Manitoulin-inspired songs while she was here. She is recording an EP of these songs, so I encourage you to follow her on Instagram so that you can hear her songs for yourself.” She also said, “we are grateful to Linda and Chuc Willson who graciously hosted the mobile studio on their land and were so welcoming to Georgia.”
“We are already making plans for more artists in residence to join 4e in 2023. Stay tuned,” said Ms. Snelling.
In October 2022, 4e hosted the Elemental Festival in Kagawong and welcomed more than 300 community members to the festival. “Louise Hayden and Rebecca Danard provided amazing coordination for the festival. Thanks to them and to all of our volunteers. The festival featured many remarkable performers.” 4e received funding provided by the Canadian Heritage Local Festivals fund and Reconnect Ontario to support Elemental Festival.
“As well, plans are taking shape for Elemental Festival 2023, to be held September 23-24, 2023,” announced Ms. Snelling.
“In 2022, 4elements hosted a dance workshop series and performance called We Are Water Bodies by Candice Irwin and youth participants, with artist funding from Ontario Presents. This was a fantastic partnership and we are grateful to Candice and the youth participants for bringing this opportunity to Manitoulin,” said Ms. Snelling.
4e was able to provide support for Sheguiandah Summer Stories, led by Shelba Deer and Lisa Hamalainen, along with youth performers. This event will take place again this summer. “A great contribution to our communities,” stated Ms. Snelling.
“Finally, a special note of thanks to Richard Lathwell and Gail Los, dedicated members who are finishing their terms. Non-profit arts organizations run on the time and effort of volunteers and people who are willing to take on the responsibility of board service deserve our thanks and gratitude. Richard and Gail, we appreciate everything you contributed and 4elements is stronger for your contributions. We wish you all the best.”
