Cultural groups facing the axe

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 01, 2009 7:00 PM

Cultural activities in the North Okanagan could be slashed after critical funding dried up.Many arts and cultural groups have been notified annual gaming grants are being eliminated because of a drop in provincial revenue.“We got hit hard. We’re reeling and trying to redo the budget,” said Lynne Hossay, executive director of the Vernon Arts Centre.The loss of $40,000 translates into about one-quarter of the centre’s overall budget.And the situation could escalate if $16,000 a year in bingo funding doesn’t materialize and support from the B.C. Arts Council is chopped.“We are trying to determine where we can make cuts and still provide programs,” said Hossay.“We used to subsidize youth programs so low-income families could participate. The number of classes we offer will be eliminated if we can’t cover our costs.”

Okanagan Symphony will lose $76,000 in direct access funding or 10 per cent of its budget. That is also the rough cost to put on three shows in Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.“It looks like a concert weekend could be on the chopping block,” said Caroline Miller, general manager.Miller says she had been told by government officials the money was guaranteed and based on that, theatres were booked, performers hired and tickets sold.“We are contractually obligated to our season which starts next week,” she said.Miller isn’t sure what the cuts will mean for the symphony’s staff, but points out that the arts generate $5.2 billion a year for B.C.’s economy.“With the musicians, myself and our technicians, the money goes back into the economy. We buy groceries and have mortgages,” she said.

After receiving $5,000 last year, Vernon’s Gallery Vertigo co-operative hoped for $10,000 this time around. But now it will get nothing.“We will be cutting back on programs. Our only survivors are family drop-in and Vertigo Voices,” said director Judith Jurica.And Jurica is concerned the elimination of provincial funds will negatively impact funding from the city.“If the city doesn’t give us anything, there will be no staff and it will be volunteer-run again,” said Jurica, the lone employee at 10 hours a week.

While representatives would not comment, the Vernon Community Music School and Caravan Farm Theatre in Spallumcheen have also received letters from the province.Hossay fears the cuts will hurt the public, and particularly youth, as well as the economy.“We have to get in touch with our MLA. We can’t be passive on this,” she said.