Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, Coast Salish Artist and Storyteller, was the feature speaker after the Gabriola Arts Council Annual General Meeting. Derek Kilbourn photo
Sas Selfjord
President, Gabriola Arts Council
One year ago, at the Annual General Meeting, we were six months into a major transition in our leadership, we were facing declines in funding opportunities, and we were traversing a new staffing model. As a Board we were learning new choreography, a new rhythm with new dance partners.
When I gave thought to what I might share with you, about your Arts Council, there was so much to share, if I covered it all we would be ordering in pizza. So, I am going to share what we have learned, and what we might see when we look to the horizon.
So, what have we learned?
W have learned the extent of the operational gaps and impact when you change your leadership model from a fulltime-plus Executive Director and shift this to a role of Program Manager with 40% less hours. This created a major crevice in administrative roles which has been filled by several of our Board members carrying an inordinate amount of work, not to mention a back breaking staff commitment.
We also know that this staffing model limits the staff and Board capacity to enhance and grow programming and is a barrier to developing vital work, in revenue development and community engagement. We also understand that our current budget prevents us from accessing additional staff and that to shift to a new leadership model is a major pivot. We want to be slow and steady with major operational shifts. And we do not want to do this in isolation from our membership. YOU!!
So, what are we doing?
WE have had and will continue to have ongoing Board discussions around Sustainability, Community Engagement, Revenue Development and reimagining our programs.
We continue with our three core programs under the leadership of Chelsea Rushton, our program manager, with an eye to sustaining artistic merit while reducing the scope of programming. Last year’s Cultivate roster conjures up visions of 150 Gabriolans up dancing, feeling the rhythm and blues with Jim Byrnes; our beloved IoTA with multi varied workshop offerings; and our treasured Studio Tour continuing with a rich history; as well as some lessons learned from all three programs.
Our Breaking Bannock program under the leadership of Ardyth Cooper, Tsatassaya White and Diana Radonjic enriched our community with cultural insights, deeper understandings of reconciliation and building relationships with Snuneymuxw. Gabriolans really embraced Breaking Bannock and although the initial funding has ended, we are seeking out resources so we can continue this program. The program has been a major focus of the Arts Council and we have loved being part of it.
What’s on the horizon?
The Board initiated a Strategic Planning “Kick Start“ which gave way to three areas of focus; Community Engagement with this outreach directed by Bill Hjelholt, the creation of a Fundraising Committee under the leadership of Kathryn Molloy, and a deep exploration of partnering and job-sharing opportunities with kindred organizations.
We have developed a new fundraising initiative Monday Monthly Meals program under the culinary arts banner, which is with hosts offering cuisine to guests in their homes.
We have formed an Advisory Group Committee made up of community members who will bring their lens and expertise and an ear to the ground which will expand our reach into the community.
We welcome two new Board members Louise Gallagher and Lottie Stone Anderson; thank you for your enthusiasm.
The forthcoming year the Gabriola Arts Council will focus on sustainability, community engagement and some new innovative programming, which will be fully shaped with input from our membership. This is your Arts Council, and we look forward to your engagement. We will begin our community and membership engagement with a survey to the members and from that we look forward to supporting ongoing dialogue with you.
On a personal note, I have had the privilege of working on many Boards and it is this one in particular that has grabbed me, the mutual support and respect towards each other is special, and any community member wanting to volunteer with GAC and come alongside will have the experience to work with such a stellar group.
An unanticipated reward for me is the forging of new friendships that would not have been possible with out this volunteer experience, and for this my life is richer.
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