Art Gallery Faces Closure

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM  Friday, 06 January 2012 13:44

The Vernon Public Art Gallery could have to close its doors by April, if it can't come up with more money to pay its bills and staff. Board president Marion Morrison has asked the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to advance them 14-thousand dollars to cover expenses this month, and to provide funds to get them through the next few months. She says most of the expenses are for their three full time, and three part time staff, and reducing their hours is not an option. "If we cut back on staff then we have to cut back on our hours, and none of our staff can afford to stay part-time." Morrison says the gallery is also seeking a 40-thousand dollar increase to its RDNO funding this year to cover a shortfall from provincial funding cutbacks. "We have cut everything. We've been careful and held extra fundraisers. We've done everything in our power to bring in more revenue, but the bottom line is the provincial cuts were devastating." The gallery's $40,000 gaming grant from the province was cut to $20,000 this year, while the BC Arts Council reduced its grant by 15 percent. Morrison says fundraising has also been slower, with less than normal from their annual Mid-Summer Eve of the Arts. "We haven't exceeded our expectations in fundraising." GVAC is recommending the regional RDNO board give the gallery an early advance of its funding.  The facility on 31st Ave received $219,730 from RDNO in 2010, and organizers are asking that be bumped to around $247,000. Morrison says dipping into their bank account won't provide relief.  "We've used all our reserves, every penny." Gallery treasurer Stuart Moir says they are running a cash deficit of up to $4,000 each month until they get government funds. The committee also agreed with Morrison's request to lobby the BC government to restore provincial arts funding.