Gallery pursues increased funds

 Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 11, 2010 12:00 PM
 Challenging financial times are facing one of the anchors of Greater Vernon’s arts community.  Revenue is down and costs are up at the Vernon Public Art Gallery.  “The bottom line isn’t too good for next year,” said Dauna Grant, executive director.  As a result, the non-profit organization is seeking $15,000 from the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to cover a deficit, and an additional $40,000 towards capital projects, the art collection, programs, marketing and wages. GVAC already provides an annual contribution to the gallery to help with operations. It was $131,600 in 2010. Part of the financial challenge is a result of 15 per cent less funding from the B.C. Arts Council. Donations have also slowed during the recession. “We are spending more time on fundraising for a lesser return,” said Stuart Moir, treasurer.  According to Grant, everything possible has been done to ensure the gallery operates efficiently.  “We’ve cut back to the bare bones of operations,” she said.  “We want to be brought to a level where we can focus on our strategic plan.”  Among the strategic goals are establishing professional standards in collection management, increasing public awareness of the gallery, increasing revenue sources and planning for a proposed new building by 2015.  The gallery hosts a number of public art exhibits during the year, as well as providing community programs and housing a permanent art collection.  Membership at the gallery climbed 11 per cent in 2010. “We’re working on increasing our audience,” said Marion Morrison, president. GVAC directors will consider the $55,000 request as part of their 2011 budget process.
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Gallery Vertigo pursues GVAC assistance: Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 11, 2010 12:00 PM 
Taxpayers are being asked to become a significant player at an artist-run gallery.  The North Okanagan Artists Alternative has asked the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee for $30,000 to go towards operating Gallery Vertigo.  “It’s a lively hub of growing creativity,” said Katie Brennan, with NOAA. “Artist-run centres are not market-driven. Younger and lesser known artists can have the exposure they need there.”  Gallery Vertigo provides a number of activities including after-school programs, the Smarties family workshops, painting and writing classes, a reading series, lectures and concerts. “The gallery continues to identify needs in the community,” said Brennan.  Revenue comes from a variety of sources including studio rentals, membership fees, donations, merchandise sales and fundraising.  Senior government grants are project specific and do little to cover operating expenses such as employee wages.  “We have underpaid employees which is not a good state of affairs,” said Judith Jurica, executive director.  “We would like to have long-term relations with these employees but we need to pay them fairly.”  In 2010, GVAC provided $5,000, and the $30,000 request for 2011 will be considered as part of budget discussions. “They aren’t just selling a product. They are providing an educational component,” said Jim Garlick, a Coldstream director.