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Terms of Reference
Municipality of Chester - Arts and Culture Strategy Steering Committee
1. Purpose
The Arts and Culture Strategy Steering Committee is established to guide the development of an Arts and Culture
Strategy for the Municipality of Chester. This strategy is aimed at showcasing the Municipality's unique cultural
aspects, supporting, and growing the arts and culture sector, as well as fostering an inclusive environment that
respects and celebrates the diversity of the community.
2. Objectives
The primary objectives of the Arts & Culture Strategy Steering Committee Include:
● Setting a clear and inclusive direction for the Arts and Culture Strategy.
● Providing strategic direction and guidance for the successful development of the strategy.
● Ensuring the strategy reflects a broad and inclusive range of voices from across the community.
● Regularly review the progress and provide input for the strategy.
● Promoting the role of arts and culture in enriching community life, tourism and economic development.
● Ensuring that the strategy is reflective of the community’s needs.
3. Membership
The Arts and Culture Strategy Steering Committee will consist of no less than 7 and no more than 9 voting
members, including but not limited to:
● Arts and culture professionals: representatives from local artists, cultural institutions, etc.
● Community representatives: i.e. members from diverse community groups
● Businesses
The committee will be supported by Municipality of Chester staff including:
● The Community Economic Development Officer
● Staff from the Community Development and Recreation department
● A public request for participation will be circulated via MOC communications channels and ap plications
will be received by the Community Economic Development Officer. The Community Economic Development
Officer may request and hold interviews, after which they submit recommendations for committee members for
Council consideration and appointment.
The goal will be to have input from the from the seven districts of the Municipality of Chester and Acadian First
Nation, if possible.
The Chair and Vice-Chair are to be nominated from the voting members and duly elected by the voting
members at the first meeting of the Committee. MOC staff are not entitled to a vote.
Terms of Reference
Municipality of Chester - Arts and Culture Strategy Steering Committee
4. Roles and Responsibilities
The Arts and Culture Strategy Steering Committee members will be responsible for the following:
Reviewing and approving the draft Arts and Culture Strategy document.
Providing input on key goals, objectives, and initiatives.
Advising on resource allocation and budget priorities during the strategy development phase.
Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders during the development process.
Contributing actively, providing specialized knowledge, engaging with various community segments,
supporting strategy development and promotion.
Reviewing all materials prior to scheduled meetings.
Being responsive to communications
Conducting themselves in a positive, inclusive, and respectful manner during meetings and in all
communications.
5. Meetings
The Committee will meet regularly during the strategy development phase, with the frequency determined at
the initial meeting. Additional ad-hoc meetings may be scheduled as needed. Meetings may be held in person
or virtually, depending on circumstances.
A majority of the appointed voting members of the Committee constitute a quorum.
Subject to the principles set out in the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, all committee members present,
including the person presiding shall vote on a question.
Agenda and Minutes:
● Agendas will be drafted by the CEDO.
● Agendas will be distributed at least 5 days before scheduled meetings.
● Agendas will be approved at the start of each meeting.
● Minutes will be taken by the CEDO.
● Minutes will be distributed at least 5 days after each scheduled meeting for review.
● Minutes will be approved at the following meeting.
6. Reporting and Accountability
Terms of Reference
Municipality of Chester - Arts and Culture Strategy Steering Committee
The committee will report to the Municipal Council. Updates on the Arts and Culture Strategy development,
stakeholder engagement, and key decisions will be provided by staff and the Consultant. In each meeting the
steering committee will review the progress and provide guidance on whether the components of the strategy
meet the needs and cultural landscape of the Municipality of Chester.
7. Duration
The Committee will serve for the duration of the strategy development phase. Upon completion and approval of
the strategy, the committee will be dissolved. The estimated timeline for strategy completion is Fall 2024.
8. Review and Amendment of Terms
These Terms of Reference will be reviewed as needed and can be amended with the approval of the Municipal
Council.