Still no word...

Not only were we left hanging when the Provincial government decided to freeze Direct Access funds and not tell the non-profit organizations what was going on, but now the media releases all say "The Freeze is Lifted!" and there is still no word from Direct Access or the Government! We don't know if we'll get what we've received for the past six years, or less, or none at all. I just heard this morning on CBC radio that a Vancouver theatre festival received word they were denied their Gaming funding, money they were counting on for this year's event. Now I'm really worried.

My board of directors meets this week to discuss the situation, although without any information, what's to discuss? Cuts to staff? I don't imagine the board members want to do my job, I wonder if they even realize that would have to happen. You can't cut someone's hours in half and expect the same job to be done. Oh wait, the government itself has been doing that for years to civil servants, RCMP, etc. Do you think they'll cut MLA wages by 40%?

End the Freeze. Buy an Ice Cube

Crazy - We raised $73 today selling ice cubes to the passing public out in front of the art gallery. Many people had a laugh and happily donated a few coins or dollars in exchange for an ice cube. It helped that it was a very hot day. We were protesting the funding freeze by BC Gaming. So many people had no idea, and even non-arts folks were surprised to learn that sports groups were experiencing the same crisis. This affects everyone, because your local PAC, or ski club or writers group may be depending on that money for their next project, festival or event. Now, that event may not happen, or their doors will close, or their staff will be laid off. Big consequences. Everyone should be calling Kevin Krueger and Gordon Campbell making sure they know what funding like means to a small community. They're talking billions, we're talking thousands - but those thousands have big impact in Salmon Arm. Don't sit back and let this happen. We all must make a stand. Tell the BC Government to give arts, cultural and sports group their duly assigned Gaming funds.

Paint the Town

For the fifth year, 20 or so artists hauled their gear to a downtown location in Salmon Arm to create a masterpiece. In one day they painted our luscious scenery and then brought their work back to the gallery for display and the reception. What a hoot. Everyone was in a good mood, the weather was perfect, not too hot and just enough haze to make an interesting painting. A few newcomers this year, which is always nice to have. It's like Christmas when I go back to the gallery at the end of the day - bless Margaret for doing intake for me these last couple of years. I never get to see anyone else's work while I'm slapping paint to canvas in the same frenzied way. Again, I'm blown away by the quality of the work. It's a beautiful show. David Askew - get your butt down there and look at the cool work Justin Maas did of your store! And put a bid on them while you're at it.

Now, to Paint the Festival - I've got eight artists lined up to paint on Sat/Sun at Roots & Blues. They are all excited and rarin' to go. Can't wait to see what they do - especially given the opportunity for night-time paintings. Ooooo.

Funding Cuts

Oh brother. Talk about creating your own reality. I've never worried about BC Gaming funding until this year. I was so stressed from the moment I plunked the application in the mail back in May. Now I'm thinking that I was in tune with some universal vibe that Gaming was going to pull the rug out from hundreds of arts organizations. Nothing is for sure, but the word is that Gaming has frozen our funding pending the next provincial budget on September 2. This on top of BC Arts Council funding being cut by 40%. Is this their brilliant plan to stimulate the economy? No, it's their plan to pay for the Olympics, I'm sure. This is old-style dirty politics. I thought as a species we were making progress, understanding the impact arts and culture has on sustaining communities, both economically and socially. Apparently none of the suits in Victoria have entered the 21st century. I'm just so mad I can barely formulate a nasty letter to Kevin Krueger. I think I need a face to face meeting with him and our own MLA George Abbott. I'll be sure to pull out my bag of stats to prove what all the intelligent people know about the benefits of supporting arts and cultural groups.... one of which is that for every dollar the Provincial Government invests in the arts, they receive $1.36 in tax revenue. Seems like a good investment to me.

Downtown Music

Oh what fun. Old Man's Beard played at the Ross Street Plaza during lunchtime today. What a fantastic group - it's only a matter of time before we'll be paying $125 to see them in a grand stadium somewhere. Had to stand in the dotted shade of a sad little tree, but I was lucky as most were in this full 39 degree sun. The musicians are such troopers, baking on the concrete stage and still bustin' a move and singing their hearts out. Love the song "Tofino." What a great town, so much talent, and a few dedicated organizations working to give these artists exposure. Not much monetary reward, but lots of exposure. We threw $5 into the Tequila Fund.

Vancouver Art Trip

Another quickie trip to Vancouver to see the Vermeer Rembrandt show, plus a few other galleries on the "Drawing" tour. Must say, wasn't too impressed with the Dutch masters show. One Vermeer, not even the blockbuster one, and a few little Rembrandts. Enjoyed some of the historical information, and some of the big portraits were quite impressive. It only took us two hours to do the whole thing, which included the trip through the knick-knack section, where I spent $1.75 on some Vermeer stickers. How embarrassing. The highlight was the second-floor show: the Emily Carr and Jack Shadbolt drawings - wow. Of interest is Jack's efforts to "exorcise" the influence of Carr on his work with the "Hornby Suite" drawings. I got sucked into them, was there. Very cool. His early work is fantastic, too - from the 40's. We Canadians have some great artists. Couldn't be bothered to spend much time on the other shows, photography - not my thing. The installation in the atrium was hilarious - like time travel. Loved it.

Visual Radio

I'm amazed what good editing and gentle music can do for the spoken word. The interview with CBC Daybreak's Jennifer Chrumka this morning was wonderful. She made me sound so good! Unfortunately, Daybreak doesn't post a podcast, so anyone who missed it is really out of luck. Talk about an ethereal piece. I feel blessed that Jenn contacted me about the show, as it really was an enlightening artistic experience all round, and I think that message came across clearly over the airwaves. I used to think describing visual arts on the radio was, well, unsatisfactory. Now I feel differently, of course. I suppose it engages your imagination, which can be far more intense than reality.