Art
Arts organizations in Halifax say multi-year grants would be a relief
Arts organizations in Halifax say a move to multi-year municipal funding would be a relief they have long sought.
A staff report coming to regional council Tuesday suggests changes that would allow professional arts organizations to receive operating grants for up to three years, rather than the annual system that’s in place now.
Heather Wilkinson, co-executive and artistic director for the Wonder’neath Art Society, said she’s thrilled because “we spend a lot of time when we’re writing those operating grants.”
Wonder’neath received a $15,500 operating grant from the municipality this fiscal year.
Wilkinson said getting committed funding for the next three years would help bring some stability to their financial planning. She said they’ve never had a year where they knew exactly how much they could spend due to all the grants and fundraising that go into running a non-profit.
The society offers affordable studio space, and hosts free drop-in events where people of all ages can express themselves through art, Wilkinson said.
“We’re able to support our staff and plan to have consistent programming that people can count on, and rely on, when we know what resources we have to work with,” Wilkinson said.
Melany Nugent-Noble, executive director with Nocturne Halifax, said their festival often has projects that take place across multiple years, so being able to rely on future funding “would really help us.”
The staff report said the switch to multi-year agreements wouldn’t cost anything since it wouldn’t alter how much money is in the overall pool of operating grants.
But it would better align with other funding Halifax offers, and how the provincial and federal government run their own arts grants.
“It’s a relief and it’s something that … that the art sector has been advocating for for some time at the municipal level,” said Sebastien Labelle, executive director of the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op.
Removing the need to apply for grants every year would free up people’s energy and allow them to better focus on the creative work they’re meant to do, Labelle said.
All three said they hope councillors approve the staff recommendation and keep the importance of the arts top of mind during the upcoming budget season. Councillors have said they will be looking for cuts to handle a $60-million shortfall.
In February, many people in the arts community spoke before the budget committee about how the industry brings vital economic, social and tourism benefits to Halifax.
They said Halifax spends about $1.16 per capita on the arts while other major cities spend around $7. This 2023-24 fiscal year saw Halifax spend about $685,000 on both operating and project funding for arts organizations.
“I think they’ve heard loud and clear from the arts sector last time around that we … really cannot afford any cuts as we’re really far behind most other regions in the country already, and barely … managing as we are,” Labelle said.
The final Halifax budget will be decided in April.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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