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Embrace and support venues for localized culture

In the contemporary mediated world, we tend to focus on a larger cultural concept. Local music and art tends to be overshadowed by distant, international movements, making it very difficult for local talent to thrive. The missing key here is VENUE. I'm not sure if it's the convergence of different cultures or simply some magic in the air, but Montreal seems to have vibrancy figured out.  There's an air out there.  In the summer, the city rejoices every ray of sunlight as if it was a gift from the sky, and in the winter, people share an amazing amount of warmth to compensate for the frozen metropolis.

As one starts to live in this cultural hybrid of a city, it is shocking how quickly one is integrated in local cultural communities.  It's not uncommon to find fashion shows in abandoned factory spaces, impromptu concerts showcasing eclectic, independent music at the corner pub, and art from around the world being showcased in every corner of every wall.

I'm not sure of the mechanics that make this city tick such a beautiful tock, but I am certain that the vibrations of local artists sharing their craft quickly outweighs the mainstream media.  The inspiration spreads and many people are stricken with the insatiable urge to find and share their own craft.  How beautiful!

In restoring the vibrancy to a city, we must work to resist the big-business and mainstream media indoctrination and find ways to establish the hometown culture.  The missing link in most of the cities in my experience are reputable local venues and establishments that don't sell themselves to the higher-paying international flare.  Places and buildings which may not have the capital to devote themselves to local arts need support to prevent them from becoming optimized for top-dollar.  Culture grows in the petri dish of abandoned buildings, homegrown coffee shops and local restaurants which host local artists, encouraging everyone to join in and share.

How can we establish and support stable venues for local culture despite the fact that "a Starbucks would make more money in that location"?

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