Arts, Culture and Youth grants recommended

The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) is recommending seven arts, culture and youth project grants be awarded for $55,000.

The projects are adjudicated against criteria previously established by GVAC and given a rank out of 100.

The recipients included the following:

Arts Council of the North Okanagan’s Arts on the Trails received its full ask of $5,500.

The Caetani Cultural Centre Society on-site digital and online heritage research project requested $10,000 which staff had recommended against, but directors voted to award. A $15,000 grant for this year to inspect the integrity of the buildings at the centre was not utilized due to COVID-19.

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“I think making more of this information available online is exactly what should be happening,” Kelly Fehr, Vernon director said.

The Elks Club 2021 Rib Fest asked for $25,000 and will get $5,000 with funds earmarked specifically for the entertainment and kids stages.

“This is not really a cultural event, it’s more of a fundraiser,” Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said.

Greater Vernon Museum & Archives proposed funding for cultural safety training and received its full ask of $10,000. The training provides context to staff and volunteers around Indigenous culture.

The Vernon Community Radio Society had asked for $60,000 in efforts to get the not for profit station on air and was awarded $10,000.

“What happens if they are unable to deliver without the full funding?,” Cumming inquired.

“They will be provided a letter which they can use to leverage other funds,” Tannis Nelson, Manager of Community Services said. “There needs to be an indication of confidence in organizations to follow through. If they don’t complete the project the money is not paid out.”

Vernon Public Art Gallery’s 2021 Print Triennial project requested $10,000. Staff had recommended an award of $1,500, but directors voted to provide the full $10,000 ask.

“This won a provincial award, artists from all over the world set their work to this international event,” Amanda Shatzko, Area C director, said.

Vernon Winter Carnival Society’s 2021 – COVID-19 Friendly Winter Carnival received its full request of $5,000, to deal with significant costs associated with the pandemic, including stanchions and additional signage.

Caravan Farm Theatre Society’s 2021 Valentines Show asked for $8,000 and was also declined, because the theatre is outside the Greater Vernon service area.

A total of $125,500 in grants were requested, against available funding of $75,000.The remaining funds will be available during the year for opportunities that arise.