An idea to declare Muskoka an “arts community” is gathering steam around the district council table in hopes of raising awareness about the plethora of musicians, actors and artists who live within the region.

The designation, which is also meant to recognize the arts as an integral part of the economy, is being sought by Muskoka Arts & Crafts (MAC), the visual arts organization that represents about 360 local artists. MAC is asking Muskoka district council to pass a resolution recognizing Muskoka with the new “arts community” title.

MAC board member Sara Hall said the designation could be used by various artists, businesses and chambers to promote Muskoka as a place where the arts thrive.

Since Muskoka already has a reputation for producing such talents as sculptor Hilary Clark Cole and artists Doug Dunford and Mendelson Joe, the designation only makes sense, she noted.

“It (the arts) really is an important element of creating a year-round economy that will bring people to Muskoka,” said Hall to Muskoka’s planning and economic development committee Thursday.

Hall said the designation could also help secure federal grants for artistic endeavours and/or struggling artists.

Councillors, in turn, were supportive of the idea.

“I think from an economic development perspective, if the (Muskoka) Airport and the two (Muskoka Tourism) visitor centres on the highway are worthy of district funding, I think the arts is perhaps even more so,” said Bracebridge district councillor and planning committee chair Scott Young.

While district chair Gord Adams worried the designation could set a new precedent, opening the door to a flood of funding requests, councillors and staff were unconcerned.

“It recognizes what we are, and I don’t think it obligates council to anything further,” said Marg French, Muskoka’s commissioner of planning and economic development.

Even if others were to come forward with requests for financial aid, Young said he wouldn’t mind.

“I certainly don’t fear new partnerships in the future that involve spending money on the arts,” he said. “I think there’s a real economic development angle that we need to consider here.”

Gayle Dempsey, of the Arts Council of Muskoka, also praised the idea.

“In Muskoka we have such a huge number of artists,” said Dempsey. In addition to painters and sculptors, musicians like Beverlie Robertson, Hawksley Workman and rising talent Suzie McNeil have also called the district home. “If anyone should be designated, it’s Muskoka.” Muskoka district council will consider the idea during its next regular meeting April 28.