This is part of a series examining how local non-profits are doing since changes to the way the city handles grant funding came into effect this year.
The St. Albert Visual Arts Studio Association (VASA) is being hit with a “perfect, nasty storm” this year regarding funding and may burn through all of its reserves by the end of the year.
VASA was among the organizations hit by a severe funding cut to one of the city's funding programs for nonprofits, called the outside agency grant program, after city councillors approved changes last year to how the program was funded and who could apply. VASA saw a 45-per-cent decrease in funding under the new rules, from $50,000 last year to $27,378 this year.
“With our fundraising and everything we survived, but when they cut that in half, no, I’m sorry,” said VASA president Carol Watamaniuk. “We have hit the perfect, nasty storm.”
City councillors approved the program changes in March of last year in an effort to make the funding process more transparent. This is the first year the changes have taken effect. The revised program has a $9-per-capita funding pot each year, and the community services advisory committee makes recommendations to council about how to divvy up the money.
VASA has had its funding cut by both the city and Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and the association is also facing serious fundraising challenges due to its lack of charitable status, as well as policy changes from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission prohibiting arts organization from holding raffles.
“We have hit roadblocks on just about every turn raising money for VASA,” Watamaniuk said.
So far, effects of the city's funding cut have not been noticeable, but Watamaniuk said soon she will need to ask the association’s board to dip into VASA’s reserves just to survive until year’s end.
The eternal optimist, Watamaniuk said despite the perfect storm, she has faith the problem will be resolved.
VASA plays an essential role in the visual arts puzzle of St. Albert, Watamaniuk said, and especially fills a gap in providing professional art lessons for people living with disabilities through its Authentic Art program.
The association provides affordable studio space for artists who may not otherwise be able to show their work, and in return the artists volunteer hours at VASA. It also holds monthly art shows featuring local artists.
“It’s a real important place that really nurtures up and coming artists ... it also nurtures the spirit of our community."
Watamaniuk said considering the important role VASA plays in the visual arts puzzle in the city, she fails to understand why it is less important funding-wise than the Art Gallery of St. Albert.
“We are a very vital part of (a nice community) and I think we should be right there up front getting some of the funding ... I’m just asking for survival money.”
