Island Mountain Arts
Oct 29 2009
Invest in the Arts - 2009 IMA Membership and Donation DriveINVESTING IN THE ARTS MAKES ECONOMIC DOLLARS AND SENSE! The last few months have been devastating for Arts organizations across BC:
For Island Mountain Arts this means an unanticipated shortfall in revenues of over $27,000. The cuts came without warning; they were not something we could plan for. The cuts were to our core funding. These monies were budgeted to help pay wages and keep the lights and heat on. The cuts represent over 13% of our budget. Since 1977, IMA has been on the leading edge of cultural programming in north central BC. We fill a recognized gap with the kind of professional arts instruction that is not available elsewhere in the region. Whether it is a mentoring program with senior Canadian visual artists such as Peter von Tiesenhausen or Lyndal Osborne (who is returning to mentor in 2010), a songwriting course with iconic figures such as David Francey, or the ArtsWells Festival of all Things Art, the only festival of its kind in BC, Island Mountain Arts brings experiences and opportunities to residents of the north. Investing in the arts doubles your money. For every dollar spent by an arts organization, another dollar’s worth of spending is stimulated in the economy. Investing in the arts creates and supports jobs. Investing in the arts will help to bring our economy back on track. We know that everyone is impacted by tighter economic times, but if you enjoyed your summer experience at Island Mountain Arts, please consider a generous donation at this time when we need it most. Your investment will ensure that we can maintain the same level of programming and excellence in 2010 and beyond. One option is to become a monthly donor through http://www.canadahelps.org/ or by filling out and sending us the form that can be downloaded from the "Support Us" page on the website. Even a small monthly donation helps us out and is greatly appreciated. IMA is a tough and resilient organization that has been around for over 30 years. The Board is forward-thinking and strategic and IMA has weathered many storms. With your help, we can ensure that Island Mountain Arts continues to provide youth programming, a vibrant public gallery, the ArtsWells Festival, and top quality instruction in a full range of artistic disciplines. Thank you, Judy Campbell, Treasurer P.S. Island Mountain Arts has been proactive in opposing the cuts to not only cultural groups, but to sports and social support groups as well. We made a joint presentation with the District of Wells to the Hearing of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services in Prince George, we have written Minister Krueger, the District of Wells has written the Premier, and we are participating in a range of initiatives to oppose the cuts to Arts and Culture. We urge you to visit www.stopbcartscuts.ca to learn how to take action. TAKE THE PAUL CRAWFORD CHALLENGE! With the recent funding cuts to arts and culture charities across the province, of which Island Mountain Arts was not spared, this donation drive comes and an extremely critical time. “In these challenging economic times the value of institutions such as Island Mountain Arts cannot be understated, for over thirty years IMA has served not only as an economic engine, but also as a cultural bastion, providing invaluable opportunities for both professional and emerging artists. Your contribution is not only an investment in IMA’s future, but also validates the importance of British Columbia’s rich arts and culture community,” says Paul Crawford, Vice-President of the Island Mountain Arts Board. Crawford went on to send a challenge to the public saying, “if you can’t make it to this event, or even if you can, I challenge you to match my donation of $50 per month for the next year to ensure the longevity of this vital arts institution.” |