Representatives of Coquitlam's cultural groups were at Coquitlam's finance committee meeting Wednesday to highlight this year's accomplishments and offer up their 2013 wish lists.
Following is a summary:
PLACE DES ARTS
Place des Arts highlighted the introduction of the Salon Speaker Series and upgrades to audience chairs and music equipment like stands and lights. The organization also surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal for its endowment fund, reaching the $112,014 mark, and reported an 8% increase in private music and dance registrations and a 13% increase in group registrations.
For 2013, Place des Arts is anticipating a budget of $876,386; 40% will come from a city operating grant and 53% from program revenue. The remainder comes from other sources.
New capital requests include $9,000 for lighting upgrades and $18,000 for gallery upgrades.
EVERGREEN
Evergreen Cultural Centre reported continued growth in its patron attendance to nearly 80,000 people (up from almost 60,000 in 2008). The group estimates that by the end of 2012, about 65,000 people will have attended a performing arts presentation at ECC and another 14,000 will have visited the art gallery.
Among its 2012 achievements, ECC cited its eight curated exhibitions, including internationally known artists like Bratsa Bonifacho and Gu Xiong, its partnership with arts organizations in Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, the successful Teen Program and Emerging Talent Festival and the addition of a clay program.
ECC reps also noted, however, that they expect to experience future business challenges as Evergreen Line construction approaches (the final station on the line is going to be built next to the cultural centre). They're asking for a new staff educator co-ordinator ($16,589) and the replacement of appliances ($14,500), the theatre floor ($24,500) and the sound board ($12,000).
HERITAGE
Coquitlam Heritage Society showcased some of the events it hosted in 2012, including Halloween festivities, a historical book club, Canada Day at Lafarge Lake, Festival du Bois and the Governor General's visit to Mackin House.
Representatives noted the society has expanded program delivery and increased public participation on a modest budget, but is challenged by operational sustainability, infrastructure and asset maintenance and security.
They're asking for additional staff to bring the group from its current level of 2.2 full-time equivalent staff up to 3.0 FTE. Going without extra help could put everything from tourist information services to extended summer hours, multi-lingual programming, school outreach and new programs at risk, they said.
MAILLARDVILLE
Société Place Maillardville (PMCC) noted its new partnership with School District 43 in the Hub program has resulted in contact with more than 500 students per season in its after-school program.
"Place Maillard programs are a key component of our care-based school culture," noted Alderson elementary principal John Goheen in the report presented to finance.
Mark Clay, principal of Maillard middle, added Place Maillardville "offers a safe place for our community of children to thrive and feel connected and included."
PMCC is asking for employee retention funds in the form of additional staff time and 500 drop-in pool passes ($20,442).
Coquitlam's finance committee will consider the requests as part of its ongoing budget deliberations.
