The West Shore Arts Council has been busy working with West Shore municipalities to secure more funding for local arts programming.
This week, Langford council approved a new agreement that would replace the deal the City entered into with the arts advocacy group 12 years ago.
“The enthusiasm that Langford council has shown in support of the arts has enabled us to move forward with an increased profile,” said West Shore Arts Council president Laura Davis. “Other municipalities have noticed the value you put in the arts and have also begun discussions with us to provide some increased funding. Langford has set a practical example of a healthy partnership.”
The agreement was approved in principle in February and council asked City staff to finalize its wording. According to a staff report, the changes ensure that council retains “ultimate control over use of the capital reserve funds, since they are taxpayer monies.”
Langford will continue to allocate funding in its annual budget at a rate of $0.75 per resident, using the Capital Regional District’s most recent published estimate of population. In 2016, Langford residents numbered an estimated 35,342, which would translate to a little more than $26,500 for the arts council.
The new funding model would also open doors to more recognition and grants at the provincial level, Davis said.
The agreement can be amended, modified or cancelled at any time with some conditions and restrictions.