Gallery pursues city funds

Published: February 26, 2009 6:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

A Vernon art gallery is turning to taxpayers for financial support again. The North Okanagan Artists Alternative is seeking $15,000 in operating funds for Gallery Vertigo from the City of Vernon. It received a $10,000 grant last year. “Gallery Vertigo has done an incredible job in building up artistic infrastructure,” said John Lent, a society director. Over the years, some politicians have questioned why Gallery Vertigo should get public support when the city, through the North Okanagan Regional District, assists the Vernon Public Art Gallery. But Lent insists there is room for both. “Gallery Vertigo is an artist-run gallery and independent from the Vernon Art Gallery. There is no competition between them,” he said. Gallery Vertigo conducts shows for individual artists and groups, as well as professional development programs for artists, studio space and a reading and music series. “There’s no duplication of services here,” said Lent, adding that financial support from the city would allow the society to apply to the B.C. Arts Council for funding. Lent is also convinced that having a number of art galleries adds to the livability of the community and bolsters cultural tourism. “People come here because they want to see art galleries,” he said.

The request for $15,000 will now go to council’s finance committee for consideration, and Mayor Wayne Lippert is open to possibly maintaining the relationship started last year. Cultural events are starting to become more prominent,” he said. However, Lippert believes there is a need for Gallery Vertigo to provide the city with more information. “I’d like to see more on how it contributes to the economy,” he said. Last year’s $10,000 is some of the only money the society has ever received from local jurisdictions. “Gallery Vertigo has been to the regional district four times for support,” said Maurie Deaton, with the gallery. “It’s been kicked around, up and down, but it’s never happened.” Besides the Vernon Public Art Gallery, NORD also contributes to the Vernon Arts Centre, the Vernon Performing Arts Centre and the Greater Vernon Museum.