By Adam Berls

community arts

PG arts organizations asks council for increase in funding

Sep 25, 2024 | 11:05 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A delegation representing four arts organizations in Prince George have asked council for an increase in funding by an additional $200,000.

The four organizations are the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Theatre Northwest, the Community Arts Council of Prince George and the Prince George Folkfest Society. The Board of Directors of the four organizations have recently passed a resolution requesting an increase of $200,000 in funding for the groups. The funding would be allocated proportionally between the four organizations.

The delegation noted that the City of Prince George spends $7 per capita on the arts, where as the national average is $25 per capita. The provincial average is $50 per capita and in Kamloops, $80 per capita is spend on the arts. Eli Klasner, executive director of the Community Arts Council, says that the city currently does not have an arts/cultural plan or strategy.

The delegation says that if council decides to increase in funding, there would be a return on that investment. The funding would help increase the number of arts and cultural events and programs, provide a much higher profile for Prince George regionally, provincially, nationally and increase the staff cohort to better support community coordination, engagement, and accessibility.

The delegation noted that the four organizations are uniquely positioned to “use their resources to provide incentives for participation such as reduced ticket prices, many free to attend events and special considerations such as ‘Relaxed Performances’ geared towards audience members who benefit from a less restrictive audience environment.”

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Mayor Simon Yu noted that there needed to be a fix in the figures on how much the city spends on the arts. Councillor Brian Skakun also noted that the arts in the city is underfunded and says he’ll do all he can as a councillor to help rectify that. Councillor Kyle Sampson cited the example that Kamloops city council has recently undertaken by approving a new performing arts centre, and that the actions taken by council to support to arts is an example of “bold leadership” and that Prince George should follow in the footsteps of Kamloops. He also noted that council should move forward on providing the $200,000 in funding to the arts organizations.

Councillor Cori Ramsay said that the city needs to have a plan and strategy when it comes to arts and culture and that the conversation needs to continue. Director of Civic Facilities and Events Andy Beesley noted that the lack of a plan is a “deficiency in our city.”

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com