Dear Editor:
The Summerland Community Arts Council wishes to correct and update some statements in the article “Facility in place for Arts Centre” in the Summerland Review, April 10 and posted online April 9.
1. As of April 11, 2014 the Arts Council does not have an interim facility in place. The district is still working on a possible location but no decision has been made. The former Summerland Pharmacy site on Main Street is not a possible location.
2. Of the $25,000 earmarked by the district “to assist the art gallery in paying rent in a new location and to assist in relocation costs,” the Arts Council will be allocated about $17,500 (70 per cent) with the remainder allocated to the Summerland Potters Guild $7,500 (30 per cent.) The district has decided on this apportionment based on space usage by the two separate organizations in the present location. We hope that the District is able to secure an interim location for the Arts Council with this $17,500 apportionment.
3. The Arts Council must vacate its premises by June 30, after 16 years in its unique, present location. We are hopeful that the district will be able to finalize a lease on an interim location soon in order to ensure a minimal disruption of services to the community and visitors to Summerland.
The Arts Council is a non-profit society, in existence since 1969, which provides many programs and workshops for the public: the Summer Arts Programs for children, the Street Banner program, Art Gallery and the Gift Gallery.
The Arts Council is pleased that the mayor and council are committed to the “temporary and long-term accommodation needs” of the Arts Council.
David Finnis,
president
Summerland
Community Arts Council
Summerland
