The monthly issue of The Ingot - Rio Tinto/Alcan's company propaganda magazine arrived yesterday and what jumps off the front cover at me?? Supporting The Arts in BC page 9
So immediately I flip to page 9,quickly read through the article and subsequently had a rather undignified reaction because I was a tad pissed off...nay...outraged! However I did realize that any response to this would have to be measured and reasoned if and when I or any other Children's Arts Supporter in Kitimat decides to make a peep about all this.
So what's my major malfunction??
The article gushed on about Rio Tinto's major contributions to the Olympics (GVRD) and Arts Umbrella* (GVRD). A sub heading reads Arts are essential to the social fabric of a sustainable community and it is this recognition that guides Rio Tinto Alcan's support for a variety of cultural projects.
Another part of the article quotes Richard Prokopanko, RTA exec and vice-chair of Arts Umbrella as saying "Arts Umbrella builds the confidence, self esteem and cultural skills of over 17,000 children per
year"
Well it's really too bad that none of those kids are in Kitimat, home to a good 900 of approximately 1200 RioTintoAlcan employees. Another 200 - 300 live in Terrace.
I guess we don't qualify as a 'sustainable community.'
Maybe our own shoe-string budget, home grown, Arts Umbrella type program Museum In The Classroom isn't...what?....big enough?...sexy enough? Alcan did used to contribute 8 to 12% of our yearly budget (and yes, they always wanted 100% of the credit) though they haven't donated anything since being bought out by Rio Tinto. Kitimat Arts For Youth did benefit from several thousand dollars for 2 or 3 years but then suddenly disappeared from the RTA radar.
I know that RioTintoAlcan can give their money to any group they choose - I just don't want everybody thinking that here in Kitimat we're just wallowing in their largesse.
I also can't help but feel just a little bit slapped in the face by this whole business.
*I don't have the best history with Arts Umbrella either
http://eileenhutson.blogspot.com/2007/05/little-helper-monkey.html
