To give it credit, the Centre tries to maintain an appearance of flexibility - especially when faced with a potentially good political move. Resistance to the women's initiative was passive rather than active. The festival was allowed but without much active support, except from Brenda Wallace, Art Studio. As Wallace's assistant, I was given permission to draw on other Visual Arts staff for assistance in technical, space and scheduling requirements. Informal support also came from isolated men and women in middle-management throughout the Centre, but the onus of organizing the mammoth project - without funding - was on the group.

We did it. It all took place around International Women's Day, at the Banff Centre and in the town of Banff. And when the festival was wonderfully underway, it was a treat to see Dr. Paul Fleck, the Center's president, crammed in with the full house for the panel discussion on Women in the Arts. Other events included readings, performance, slide shows, lectures, video and a campus-wide visual arts exhibit. The exhibit, called Vision, included everything from flying animal-like goddesses to a birth control quilt. We censored nothing and no one balked.

All events generated excitement, discussion, interaction. The bar was full and buzzing every night. We had shown that women, organized collectively, could implement solid, exciting programming and reach all kinds of people whose involvement had never been encouraged before. For those of us who had worked with feminist organizations in the past, the Banff process reminded us of the power and value of collective organization. For those who had never worked this way, it was a revelation.

What about the men? Some who came prepared to ridicule events such as the panel discussion left excited and willing to discuss issues into the morning. Others attending the festival were intrigued by the number of women who rushed around behind the scenes, producing food, fliers and information, running equipment for performances and having a good time. Where had all the rabidly angry feminists gone? Of course, there were other men who made snide comments during or after events or were simply absent and silent.

Even at this removed date, it is difficult to assess the festival's impact or future influence on the Banff Centre. It was the most successful event ever held there in terms of integrating activities and individuals from the town with those of the Centre. It gave women a voice and an opportunity to say in public forums what they had been denied the opportunity to express in the past. Some men entered into the spirit and took our concerns to heart.

But will it aid any future structural changes? Not likely. It is only through continued, determined pressure that such institutions can change. The task cannot be taken on by one woman or by a few scattered, sympathetic men and women. Impetus must come from all levels. It must be clear, consolidated, positive, energetic, determined and consistent. More of an effort on the... centre's part must be made to have women faculty members consistently represented in all programs, to have greater female representation in upper management positions and to have events and programs designed to support women's issues in the arts. Exciting possibilities are already there to be tapped and encouraged.

Perhaps the Banff Centre will embrace these changes. Maybe each year a chink in the old system will appear and eventually the barriers will crack. Women artists across Canada are prepared to provide names for faculty positions, to facilitate and teach programs. We want to help create an art institution that Banff and women can be proud of. Perhaps the enthusiasm of next year's group; can inspire Banff management to move towards the establishment of a Women's Art Resource Centre. If a small group in one year can accomplish a festival of the arts, it's exciting to consider what a permanent facility could do. Women have the energy, commitment and capabilities to develop exciting programs and implement fresh ideas; the success of the Festival of Women in the Arts exemplifies this.

Pam Patterson is a performance artist, writer and teacher/administrator. She was most recently employed as Assistant to the Head, Art Studio (Fibre and Papermaking), at the Banff Centre. At present she is living in Toronto, writing and making art, awaiting the arrival of her first child.