I am a native West Islander, born and bred in Beaconsfield.

I am also an artist (of sorts); along with writing, I dabble in music, painting, photography, and – on rare occasions – cooking. And though my culinary skills are questionable and not to everyone’s taste, I do understand the importance of proper ingredients.

Over the last 40 years, I have plied my trade as an arts journalist for print media, radio, television, and online, first here in Montreal, and later in Halifax. It was in Nova Scotia’s capital city, almost 20 years ago, that I first published Arts East – a digital-only monthly magazine designed to showcase creatives from the four Atlantic Canadian provinces. Though that initiative was short-lived, the experience left lingering and lasting impressions; I was amazed with the array of writers, musicians, dancers, painters and the multitude of other outstanding artists from across the region.

Similarly, since returning home from the East Coast a little over four years ago, I have been blown away by the quality, quantity, and diversity of art on the West Island. We are blessed to have these bohemians among us, making our part of the world all that more beautiful and reminding us of who we are.

It has been said that “art is a visible link in a chain of unconscious activity.” I love that, as it tells me that our local creatives are quietly charting our internal landscapes – our ideas, emotions, experiences, perspectives and opinions – thus informing our identity.

Still, it can’t be easy pursuing a creative career these days; along with the ongoing marginalization of the arts and the ever-present need for greater funding, artists face an “existential crisis” from AI. In particular, the livelihood of musicians, painters, photographers and filmmakers is under massive threat from “art-slop.”

That said, the “slap-back” on that slop is growing louder daily as people seek greater human connection. As such, the value of art is more than its political or economic or philosophical impact. Rather, it links us to one another, creating a greater sense of community. Art is, at its core, a conversation after all.

When we stop having those conversations – and problems start when we stop talking and listening to one another – our capacity for critical thinking is compromised. Given the current state of the world, that single skill is more vital than ever before. As such, the artist’s responsibility to both reflect – and to betray – the times has never been more important.

Arts Ouest’s mandate is simple; to engage readers by encouraging and enabling those conversations. Like any creative endeavor, the publication is a work-in-progress and never truly finished. And while we can’t promise that it will be to everyone’s taste, we do understand the importance of proper ingredients.

Stephen Patrick Clare, CEO & Executive Editor