Election Issues

Less than three weeks remain in the municipal election campaign.  In light of the recent developments, as we at the Arts Council/Art Gallery research the City's funding practices, we have turned arts and culture funding into an election issue.  I am hopeful that the eighteen council candidates will sign the letter of support indicating they would be willing to work on a fee-for-service agreement for operations at the Arts Centre.  Of course we would continue to generate about 80% of our own revenue, as we have always done.  We are only asking for about 20%, a security blanket, to provide stability and allow us to plan for the future.  I have put the brakes on a number of projects and ideas because of the lack of stable funding.  If the City ponies up, we will finally have some capacity to put important community projects into action.  To help us in this cause, ask your candidates how they feel about a fee-for-service agreement with the Arts Centre.  It's your money.  Why should it all go to sports and business?