.JPG;w=960)
YORKTON — Representatives of the Godfrey Dean Gallery appeared before the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday seeking additional dollars for the facility.
The gallery was seeking a financial increase to our fee for service agreement with the City of Yorkton, explained Doreen Girard, Artistic Director at the gallery.
The Godfrey Dean Art Gallery currently receives $63,945 per year (plus an annual increase of 1.5 per cent), as well as an agreement that the lease of its office and exhibition space are covered by The City of Yorkton, detailed information circulated Monday.
Girard said it is the lowest funding among our peer level galleries.
A chart supplied in the report showed funding from the city at $110,000 in Estevan, $488,125 in North Battleford, $629,104 in Swift Current and $146,953 in Moose Jaw.
As a result the gallery was asking for an increase to $119,260 in 2026, $160,803 in 2027 and $203,313 in 2028.
“That’s kind of the crux of our report,” said Girard.
Councillor Darcy Zaharia asked what the added funding would mean in terms of gallery services, a question echoed by Mayor Aaron Kienle.
More programming was the short answer from Girard, who noted there are requests for more senior and adult classes, and opportunities for professional art development for area artists in things such as how to write a proper grant application, and how to get art into galleries across the country.
“There’s a lot of professional development opportunity for local artists,” she said.
As costs have risen in terms of gallery operations, things have lagged, from salaries to software and computers.
“There’s just a lot of catch up we need to do,” said Girard.
The request was handed to administration to return as part of upcoming budget deliberations.
