Editor:
Re: “Arts Council off key,” Letters, April 20.
As former president of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council, I can remember a time when we would go through the income numbers barely rolling in to the Arts Council in an attempt to keep the building in good shape, while trying to provide affordable spaces to a modest number of renters. Specifically, the music room (and coveted grand piano) would sit empty and unused most of the time, except for the few weeks when the Festival of the Performing Arts came in to use the space for free for a three-week period.
In the spring of 2014 I moved my music education program to the music room there and struck an agreement with the Arts Council to teach music to young people on an ongoing basis, with the understanding that I would need to collaborate with them with regards to programming that may conflict with my program. I do this willingly and happily, and it gives me great pride to know that the Arts Centre these days is a hub of activity from literary events, public speaking for kids, concerts, films – and yes, the long-standing life and limb drawing group.
For eight months out of the year I pay rent and have over 40 students and families coming through the space each week. In turn, this rental agreement helps the Arts Council upkeep the building with new paint and carpets, pay staff, and offer affordable events. I am happy to suspend my program during craft fairs, special events and during the Festival of the Performing Arts. I am truly grateful for having the space to provide my services, mainly because I understand it may not always be that way.
Yes, the Arts Council struck a deal many years ago with the festival to offer a space for them for free. I’m certain that arrangement had nothing to do with the programming of gallery exhibits. I wonder what will be happening in the Art Gallery come the year 2085. Will old arrangements need to be honoured at any cost? Things change, and that’s what makes life special. The volunteer board works very hard to provide spaces for many annual events and I am grateful for their efforts. Let’s work together and share the spaces that we all enjoy for our various reasons.
Steve Wright, Sechelt
