This was the heading of an email that landed in my inbox recently which caught my attention.  Initially because I thought how we can all take this beautiful island for granted sometimes but there is no time like the summer to really take everything in and appreciate what our island has to offer.  

I then read on and had the delight in learning that Guernsey is hosting a special conference which looks specifically at small island cultures with talks on developing further initiatives on how art and culture can be instrumental in social change and environmental developments.

People worldwide will be making the trip over to the island to attend The 2nd Art and Islands Conference and 6th International Conference from Wednesday 23rd June to Friday 25th June 2010.  During these three days Castle Cornet will become the centre for academics, artists, island enthusiasts and local residents of Guernsey to deliver and listen to papers.

Speakers for the Art and Islands sessions include:

Eric Snell - Director of the International Artist in Residence Programme, who will discuss Art as an Economic Driver.

Graham Daldry - Head of Creative at Specsavers, who will be addressing delegates on Creativity on a Small Island

Matthew Taylor - the current Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts and former Advisor on Political Strategy to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who will be speaking on Creativity and Sustainable Citizenship.

Other highlights include sessions on:
Channel Island Cultures
Islomania, Identity & 'Islandness'
Island Heritage
Tourism & Marketing
Culture & Insularity

So why are people travelling from far and wide to attend? 

Jon Corbet, who is travelling nearly 5,000 miles from the University of Columbia to deliver a paper, has been quoted as saying he is attending the conference because it presents an excellent opportunity to share ideas on research and practice related to small islands with academics, artists and practitioners from around the world.

So if you have an interest in the arts and culture and haven’t already attended a session, tickets are still available so why not take this opportunity to have your say on YOUR island!

For more information about the Conference and a complete timetable of events go to the Guernsey Arts Commission website.