Budget Line

Even though it's not official, we recently read in the Observer that the application from the Arts Council and Art Gallery for joint funding was approved by Council, and that we now have a line in the budget. That's pretty exciting! Even though it's not the full amount we asked for ($25,000 approved, $45,000 requested) it still gives us some security and the ability to leverage that money for other kinds of funding. When an arts centre has a municipal commitment, it's much more likely to get approved for project funding from foundations, other levels of government, and Canada Council. Things are looking up! Maybe now I can buy a pen. When we lost Direct Access funding ($23,000 SAGA, $5500 SDAC) and was cut by BC Arts Council ($3500), I could scarcely breathe. We slashed the budget so severely that I thought any day I could be out on the doorstep. Thankfully, Council acknowledged that we are indeed a very important part of this community, and that our free programs for all ages of residents and visitors is worth something. It's worth a line in the budget!

Face to Face with Art

Just spent five days in Vancouver, gallery-hopping and discovering more wonderful places to eat. Was not very impressed with some of the current shows in the commercial galleries, plenty of mild work. Also, seeing works from the collection again at VAG wasn't too exciting. However, the new Carr exhibit on the third floor was excellent. "In Conversation with Carr" is work by EC and other artists who are responding to her incredible influence on Canadian art. Douglas Coupland was one, and wow, I was impressed. Also of value was an interview with each of the artists, playing on DVD and headsets. I love that. It inspires me to do something like that here at SAGA. It always helps to hear what the artist has to say about their work - it expands our understanding of it. Plus, there's something about seeing the artists face and watching them speak - the media is the message!