Penticton’s arts-culture officer among layoffs

JOHN MOORHOUSE 02/24/2009 Penticton Herald:

Penticton‘s new arts and cultural officer has been given the pink slip. Allison Markin confirmed Monday she is among the 11 people being laid off by the city as part of $900,000 in budget cuts unveiled last week. Given two months‘ notice, her last day on the job is scheduled for April 17. Markin declined direct comment on the situation, other than to say it will continue to be business as usual up until mid-April. "I am committed to the work I’ve begun as the arts and cultural officer, and will continue to work on the objectives of Penticton’s arts and cultural strategy over the next few weeks," she said. Markin added she hopes to remain in the Okanagan and find another position related to arts, culture and tourism. Markin began her position with the city last August, with the first year of her contract covered through a provincial government grant. Among the recent events she helped organize were the Vroom! Film Festival and a symposium dealing with fundraising techniques for non-profit organizations. Bonnie Ross, a long-time local arts supporter, wonders why the arts and culture officer is being eliminated so soon. “We waited so long to have somebody of that calibre in that kind of position Ð and now we don‘t have it anymore,” Ross said. “This town needs that position.” Ross noted attendance at the Penticton Museum skyrocketed during the Vroom! festival which included a number of classic motorcycles on display at the museum. “I don‘t know any position as effective as hers for tourism and the community at the same time. They go hand in hand,” she said. “The arts are one thing, the culture of your town is another thing. When you marry the two, you can actually put on some neat events.”

The layoff decision came as council backed away from a proposed $100,000 cut in tourism funding. Some councillors said in budget talks last week that they‘d like to see more money put aside for tourism promotion. However, it might not be a done deal just yet. Mayor Dan Ashton said Monday he intended to further discuss the arts and cultural officer position at council‘s budget meeting yesterday evening, with an eye towards possible funding partnerships. “Are there funds available that we can find somewhere so we can do a joint venture or partnership with somebody to incur this?” Ashton said. Further discussions regarding integration of services through the chamber of commerce are also being considered. Coun. Dan Albas declined to reveal details of council‘s in-camera decision regarding layoffs. However, he voiced general support for the arts and culture officer‘s position.

“We need someone co-ordinating arts and culture. I think it sets us apart,” Albas said. “The opportunities in a more creative community are unlimited.” Hiring the arts officer was the first step in moving forward with an arts and cultural tourism strategy approved by council in December 2007.