Reflecting on 2024: Strengthening Community, Embracing Opportunity

Dear Members and Friends,

As we approach the close of 2024, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all your support and engagement. This has been a year of growth and transformation for the Kimberley Arts Council – Centre 64 (KAC–C64). Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important achievements, changes, and milestones that have shaped our year. (Note: these numbers are just updated from November as year-end has not been completed.)

1. Strengthening Our HR Practices

• Now Grant-Eligible: We are proud to announce that our organization is fully HR compliant. This change has qualified us for major federal and provincial grants, which will fuel more artistic programs and initiatives throughout 2025.

• Living Wage & CARFAC Fees: Our new policy ensures staff are paid at least a living wage and that artists receive fair compensation (CARFAC fees) for their work.

• Addressing Harassment Complaints: We acknowledge that we received an excessive number of harassment complaints from 2023 and throughout 2024. To foster a more positive environment, we’ve implemented a Respectful Workplace Policy and increased HR oversight. We believe these measures will help us build a supportive community for 2025 and beyond.
  

2. Building an Inclusive Creative Space

• Extended Hours & Open Studio: To ensure everyone can participate, we’ve expanded our hours into evenings and Sundays with open studio drop-in times. Instead of exclusive clubs we have made everything inclusive under the umbrella of ArtVentures. Whether you’re into photography, painting, multimedia, crafts, pottery, or glass fusion, our developing studio Makers Space is designed to be welcoming to all under ArtVentures.

• Multicultural & Diverse Programming: We have broadened our lineup with new programs tailored to reflect the diversity in our community. Your input is crucial, so please keep the ideas coming!

• Youth Engagement: We had a successful summer kids camp program, and our theatre programming continues to be sold out. We are looking forward to expansion in 2025. We’re proud to see more young people getting involved in arts-based activities.
  

3. Partnerships & Community Support

This year, we collaborated with multiple local groups and societies to extend our reach and support local causes:

• Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue – Art auction raised over $4,000.

• Open for Art Society – Supported mental health and self-discovery initiatives.

• East Kootenay Climate Hub – Fundraiser netted over $2,300 to benefit Healthy Kimberley Food Recovery and Helping Hands Food Bank.

• KYAN – Provided various youth drop-in activities, enriching our younger audience’s engagement with the arts.
  

4. Financial Highlights

Despite higher expenses tied to staffing, infrastructure, and expanded programs, our revenue and participation both trended upward this year. Also, the changes were not implemented immediately, so the increases are from a limited period, and expecting to double in 2025:

• Overall Income:

  • 2024: $343,401.84 vs. 2023: $286,428.50 (an increase of over $56,000).

• KAC–C64 Revenue:

  • 2024: $309,884.26 vs. 2023: $250,309.44 (up nearly $60,000).
    

Key Drivers

1. Grants:

   • CKCA Grants grew from $9,652.55 to $16,820.00, reflecting growing recognition of our impact.
     

2. Fundraising & Donations:

   • Fundraising rose from $5,855.22 to $8,040.67.

   • Donations for KAC–C64 alone exceeded $13,000.
     

3. Membership:

   • Membership revenue climbed from $5,440.00 to $9,110.50, showcasing stronger community ties and a dedicated support base.
     

4. Program & Event Growth:

   • Live@Studio64: $33,049.58 (up from $26,614.52).

   • Workshops: $11,363.74 (up from $6,382.83).

   • Kaleidoscope: $15,767.77 (up from $13,380.61).

   • KNG (Kimberley Next Generation): $9,522.58 (up from $1,860.47).
     

5. New & Expanded Initiatives

• Glass Club ($3,515.00 revenue) and Photo@C64 ($764.43) were introduced, adding hands-on creative avenues for enthusiasts.

• Wage Subsidy ($8/hr for students from the College of the Rockies) opened up new staffing possibilities for us to continue offering inexpensive child theatre programming. We are also set up for greatly increased staffing funding in 2025.

• Facility Rentals ($17,784.74 vs. $14,781.12 in 2023) demonstrate how Centre 64 has become a gathering place for the entire community.
  

Looking Ahead

The past year brought its share of challenges—especially around staffing changes, volunteer and board turnover, and the need for improved workplace policies. Yet our vibrant community has come together to make 2024 a landmark year of growth, higher participation, and broader impact.

In 2025, we’re committed to:

1. Fostering a Respectful, Supportive Environment: We’ll continue refining our HR practices to ensure a positive, creative space for all.

2. Further Expanding Programming: With new grants and stronger finances, we look forward to offering more inclusive events and workshops.

3. Deepening Community Ties: We remain dedicated to collaborating with local groups and bringing people together through art.

4. Restructuring for a New Vision: As we search for new leadership, we are taking this opportunity to re-examine our goals and chart a forward-thinking path that aligns with our community’s needs and values.
   

Thank You for your ongoing belief in and support of KAC–C64’s mission. We wish you a joyous holiday season and look forward to creating more opportunities for artistic expression in 2025.

Warmest regards, the team at Kimberley Arts Council – Centre 64 Current Staff: John Stafford Current Board of Directors:      Edwin Alm (President),      Marianne Rennick (Vice President),      Roger Mitchell (Director) Former Executive Director (2024): Kerri-Jo Buckman