The arts don’t come cheap, so the Oliver Community Arts Council has to be diligent in finding funds wherever it can.
Recently the council approached the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society for continued support in the form of a fee-for-service grant up to $4,000.
Council president Penelope Johnson said every dollar of local government support is matched by the province up to $4,000.
“This is one of the very few grants available for day-to-day operations. Most other grants restrict funding to programs or major capital projects.”
Johnson said this fee-for-service grant allows them to run their administration effectively, publicize events, pay for utilities and maintain Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.
The council’s major source of operational funding comes from the BC Arts Council – $9,000 this year.
Johnson said the Oliver Community Arts Council is an umbrella organization representing 70 individuals, 19 non-profit groups, and 15 arts businesses.
The council produces five or six of its own public events and programs per year, and funds up to five member group events annually.
Johnson said the council was commended for artistic achievement, especially for producing the Michael Burgess concert and providing opportunities for local artists to earn revenue via events such as the Spring Arts Faire and Music in the Park.
Community engagement was also praised, including the involvement of Sen Pok Chin school in the Fall Art Show and Sale.
“We take pride in offering the vast majority of our events free of charge or by donation so that the arts can be enjoyed by everyone,” Johnson said.
Highlights from the past year include:
– The largest ever Fall Art Show and Sale with 105 artworks in competition.
– A well-received Music in the Park series featuring many new performers.
– Capital improvements to Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, including security features such as photosensitive lighting.
– Providing student bursaries to artistic youth.
– Upgrading technology, such as opening online merchant services for credit card payments.
