Build With The Willing

Are you tired of watching your local arts scene get cannibalized by petty town gossip and online drama?

Living in a small town in Northwestern Ontario means everyone knows your business before you even do. It’s exhausting. You try to start a collective or organize a mural project, and suddenly there’s a rift because someone’s cousin’s ex-roommate is involved. Misinformation spreads faster than a wildfire in August, and before you know it, the actual art is buried under layers of "he-said-she-said." It feels easier to just quit and scroll through TikTok, but that’s how the community dies. Social fragmentation isn't just a buzzword; it's what happens when we prioritize being "right" or "safe" over being connected.

We have to work with the tools in our shed, even if some of them are rusty. You can't control who decides to be a jerk or who buys into the latest conspiracy theory circulating at the gas station. You can only control your gate. In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we talk about values-based action. If your value is "community resilience through art," then that has to be your North Star. You don't need a hundred people to change the vibe of a town. You just need three people who are actually willing to show up and do the work without bringing the baggage.

Capacity building in a small town is basically just conflict management with a paintbrush. When the gossip starts—and it will—you have to be the one to set the boundary. It’s okay to say, "I’m here to talk about the gallery lighting, not the drama from the council meeting." It feels awkward at first, like wearing shoes that are a half-size too small, but it’s the only way to keep the space healthy. Resilience isn't about ignoring the noise; it's about deciding the noise isn't worth your creative energy. We build with the willing. If someone wants to stay outside and throw stones, let them. We’re busy mixing colors.

Try a tiny exercise next time you’re feeling the weight of local polarization. Take five minutes to observe the "story" your brain is telling you about your community. Is it a story of "everything is failing," or "everyone is out to get me"? Notice the thought, label it as "just a thought," and then look at the physical project in front of you. Focus on the texture of the paper or the sound of the welder. Grounding yourself in the physical act of creation pulls you out of the digital and interpersonal mire. It reminds you that art is a physical bridge in a world that feels increasingly like a collection of isolated islands.

Sustainability in the North isn't about massive grants or viral fame; it's about the grit to keep showing up for each other despite the friction. It’s about choosing kindness when it would be easier to be snarky on Facebook. We are literally building the culture we want to live in, brick by brick, show by show. If the world feels like it's fracturing, let the arts be the glue. It won't be perfect, and it’ll definitely be messy, but it’s ours. Let’s get back to work.

Northwestern Ontario Arts, Culture and Recreation

Rooted in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario we're exploring arts, culture, and recreation programming that brings our communitiess together. From creative workshops and local exhibitions to youth activities and cultural events, we support rural artists, strengthen community connection, and celebrate the creative spirit of Northwestern Ontario.

Through community-based arts initiatives, recreation programming, and cultural gatherings, Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture fosters creative expression, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in the northern arts sector. Our work connects residents, empowers youth, and builds pride in local talent across rural Northwestern Ontario.

Learn more about our programs, events, and opportunities at Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.