Campbell River Arts Council faces budget uncertainty

“Passion, creativity, exploration”. This is the catch phrase of the Campbell River Arts Council. And as of Monday’s provincial budget update, this focus just got tougher to honour.

Ken Blackburn, Executive Director, said earlier this week that “…the arts and culture sector are going to be facing difficult, uncertain times in the next few years.  The cuts proposed demonstrate clearly that government does not understand the essential role that the arts play within community development, notably during downturns in an economy.” 

Like some other provincial non-profits, CRAC has a three year funding arrangemet with the province (under Bingo Affiliation) that brings in a modest $18,000 annually. Although it’s not a large amount, it allows CRAC to offer various programs in the community. The group is currently in the first year of this multi-year deal.

An application for an additional $5,000 has been submitted and although Ken expects to hear in the near future about its success, he’s “not hopeful that we will get it (the Direct Access funds)”.

“Cuts to Gaming are going to hurt many local organizations, but as of today (September 2) we have not received word on our application.  Future applications are due this month so there will be some delay in knowing shortfalls for the coming year.  However, the Arts Council has been preparing for difficult times and we will be seeking cost effective strategies in our programming and partnerships,” Blackburn stated.

He goes on to say, “the arts are a critical support system to a community, providing value-added economic benefits across a wide range of health, social and cultural challenges.  This support is absolutely indispensable during difficult financial times for families when social challenges tend to increase.  The arts can no longer be perceived as a community luxury, but are rather an economic driver for the emerging creative economy and a crucial community partner in tough times”.

Cutbacks now are just going to place BC even further behind other provinces and countries in fostering the cultural climate that is vital to attracting new business and maintaining a high quality of life for its citizens revealed Blackburn.

Although it remains to be seen specifically what will be cut and what impact this will have on the Arts Council,  Blackburn knows some programs and services will fall victim to lack of funding. 

“The recent  announcements in the budget are shameful in their lack of vision,” Blackburn concluded.

The Arts Council strengthens the fabric of Campbell River through a wide range of creative offerings, including:

• The annual Banner Project, benefitting local streets May through October, when the eye-catching creations are displayed for all to enjoy;
• Student bursary program, offering funding to local students who have chosen to study an arts-related program at the post-secondary level. The 2008 recipient, Amelia Koebel, is enrolled at Edmonton’s Grant MacEwan College where she is working towards a Diploma in Jazz Studies;
• Writers’ Series, providing opportunities for local writers to further develop their skills in the craft of writing.  

Visit CRAC on the web at www.crarts.ca or give them a call at 250-923-0213. They’re located in Willow Point at 2131 South Island Highway, in the cottage formerly occuped by artist Sybil Andrews. Memberhsip is a modest $20 annually for an individual.

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