Several small arts groups in Greater Victoria are asking Santa to help them out this year.
The economy, the HST and the loss of provincial gaming grants are putting the squeeze on local arts funding and those feeling the pinch got together to try and come up with a solution.
B次元官网网址淚 knew the situation Intrepid was facing and I heard rumours about others facing similar situations,B次元官网网址� said Ian Case, Intrepid Theatre general manager.
B次元官网网址淢ost organizations are reticent about saying theyB次元官网网址檙e in trouble, so I got them together in a closed room, told them it was a safe place and said B次元官网网址榣etB次元官网网址檚 get down to brass tacks.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�
The groups involved all have annual budgets under $1 million and include Intrepid Theatre, Theatre SKAM, Puente Theatre, Kaleidoscope Theatre, Ballet Victoria, Theatre Inconnu, Suddenly Dance Theatre, Story Theatre Company, MediaNet, Blue Bridge Repertory Company and The Other Guys Theatre Company. Most of the groups have been operating in Victoria for more than 20 years and have a combined budget of more than $3.6 million spent locally every year. Together they perform for audiences of nearly 160,000 a year and provide opportunities for youth to participate in the arts as audiences, artists and volunteers.
The combined budget shortfall they are facing comes close to $280,000.
B次元官网网址淰irtually everybody is in the same situation. Some are slightly more dire, but everybodyB次元官网网址檚 hurting,B次元官网网址� said Case.
The group decided to approach the Victoria Foundation for help, meeting with CEO Sandra Richardson to look at options.
B次元官网网址淲e decided that we would try to find a B次元官网网址榗hallenger,B次元官网网址� someone who would donate $50, $75, $100,000, that they would guarantee for the fund if others would step forward and support it,B次元官网网址� said Case.
B次元官网网址淲e do our best to be a champion for the arts sector,B次元官网网址� said Richardson.
If $280,000 could be raised it would create stability for the 11 arts organizations, and more would help guarantee their futures.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 the season of giving and if someone is willing to step forward, it will make a huge difference to these organizations. It would be great if the arts community could have a good Christmas and a happy new year to look forward to,B次元官网网址� Case said.
