City of Powell River councillors were recently given an overview of the vibrant arts community in qathet region.
At the December 17 committee of the whole meeting, qathet Art Council director of operations Karen Kamon extended her thanks to mayor, council, directors and city staff for the continued support of arts and culture.
“Your funding of qathet Art has enhanced services and programming, such as the recent Memento Mori Festival for its seventh year, and there is a lot of excitement for the eighth year next year, so it is really encouraging when more and more groups come to the table and want to participate in festivals,” said Kamon. “We have expanded our drop-ins, exhibitions, performances, youth classes and adult classes. In 2024, qathet Art supported more than 22 arts and culture groups through funding from the city for grants, mentorship and advocacy, as well as having provided support letters and opportunities for professionals and emerging artists.”
Kamon said qathet Art’s budget has increased, with additional provincial and federal funding for arts and culture due to local support. She said qathet Art is also proud to announce its recent status as a registered charity.
Kamon outlined the arts and culture grants the council has received. She said it has funding from the city of $15,000 annually, and in the spring allotment, the council provided grants for qathet Concert Band, Townsite Actors Guild, Club Bon Accueil, qathet studio tour, qathet Pride, and qathet Community Justice. She said there is also $20,000 in in-kind contributions from the city, with $18,962 having been used for in-kind activities.
Kamon said the total project budget for all the arts and culture groups is more than $200,000. She said the $15,000 city cash contribution has levered finances and opportunities from outside funders.
City councillor Rob Southcott said it appears there is all sorts of funding being leveraged because of local investment.
“All that benefit is being accrued because of what seems to me to be a pretty modest investment from the standpoint of the community and the city,” said Southcott. “Being married to an artist, I’m thrilled about that.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said she appreciated Kamon coming to the committee and sharing the vision that has been underway for a long time.
“Your program expansion, particularly summer camps, is so exciting to see,” said Elliott. “To see how far we’ve come is extremely exciting. The growth of our arts council is really supporting arts in our community in an organized way.”
Councillor and committee chair George Doubt said he has watched the art council grow and change, and gaining charitable status will have a huge impact on what the council is able to accomplish.
“All the things that you do turns into a great cultural aspect for this community, that really makes the city what it is,” said Doubt. “It’s really easy to forget, when we go to all these concerts and performances, just what it took for these to happen.”
Doubt added that in-kind grants for use of facilities such as Evergreen Theatre means cultural events happen that wouldn’t otherwise occur if qathet Art wasn’t there making it happen.
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