GVAC directors under pressure

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 29, 2012 1:00 AM

Politicians are warning non-profit groups that they don’t have a bottomless pit of cash. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee agreed Thursday to a number of financial requests from cultural groups, although they aren’t all getting what they wanted. “We only have taxpayers’ money and not our money,” said director Gyula Kiss. “We can’t provide all of the money requested.” Grant requests have increased partially because provincial gaming grants have been unreliable. “It’s a transfer of responsibility we’re being asked to accept,” said director Bob Fleming of provincial downloading. Gallery Vertigo had sought $30,000 but it will only receive $15,000, the same as 2011. An additional $40,000 will go to the Vernon Public Art Gallery, bringing GVAC’s operational grant to $174,000. If a provincial gaming grant  exceeds what has been budgeted, that excess amount will be returned to GVAC. The Vernon Arts Centre’s operating grant will be climb to $128,360 so the Joining Hands program can be expanded to include more clients. “It’s a great service to people with disabilities,” said Kiss of the program which encourages skills, self-esteem, hand-eye co-ordination and creativity through art. The operating grant for the Greater Vernon Museum will increase to $180,034 to cover janitorial and maintenance as well as increased hours for two part-time staff. “We’re spreading ourselves thinner and thinner and relying on volunteers which is unfair because some are becoming almost like employees,” said Ian Hawes, museum chairperson, of the current workload. The additional hours for staff will be directed towards the museum remaining open Saturdays. Mike Macnabb, GVAC chairperson, admits that the pressures being placed on his board are significant. “How much can we give without pulling money away from another group?” he said. “We have to be sensitive to the taxpayer and we do have limited funds.”