B.C. lacks the infrastructure needed to support the many activities of artists and arts groups, says a prominent developer and Vancouver Art Gallery Foundation chair.

“The appreciation for culture seems to have increased a lot faster than the infrastructure has,” said Michael Audain, chair of Polygon Homes.

Audain made the comments on June 26 during an Alliance for Arts and Culture Arts Summit 2010 panel discussion that explored the need for arts facilities beyond just theatres, galleries, and museums.

In discussing the importance of arts and culture in society, Audain compared how cities historically formed in B.C. to what happened in ancient Greece.

He said the Greeks quickly incorporated theatres and other cultural amenities into the design of their cities. In B.C., however, trading forts, churches, and jails were prominent fixtures during the early establishment of communities, he said.

“We didn’t see any theatres or arts centres or that sort of thing. That came later,” said Audain. “I think we’re still living a little with the legacy of that period.”

Audain acknowledged the role developers can play today in collaborating with arts and culture groups to create new spaces, but said developers still must keep an eye on the bottom line and need to be kept informed about the needs of groups.

Norman Armour, executive director of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, said space is in short supply for studio work, artist residency, and administration. “We need to find ways to better situate and embed artists within our communities,” Armour said during the talk held at Surrey’s Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre.

Vancouver architect Richard Henriquez, another of the three panellists, highlighted projects in the region with great potential to include space for arts and culture activities. In particular, Henriquez pointed to creation of the Great Northern Way Campus and development on east False Creek.

He also held up Granville Island as a prime example of an area that successfully integrates commercial activity with artistic endeavour.

“It is the second-largest tourist attraction in this country next to Niagara Falls,” said Henriquez, whose architectural firm designed the Woodward’s mixed-use redevelopment in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

While the panel also considered the role all three levels of government should play in creating cultural infrastructure, Audain noted the potential for contributions from philanthropists should not be ignored.

Arts Summit 2010 took place on June 24 and 25.