Those who practice and those who appreciate the arts evidently form a strong contingent in Squamish, and through community enhancement grants, the District of Squamish (DOS) has continued to support their growing presence.
The Squamish Arts Council (SAC) recently distributed money the non-profit society received as a $15,000 community enhancement grant in 2010.
Council decided to allocate money to SAC as part of an initiative to have SAC become the umbrella organization for all art-related requests.
"We've asked arts applicants not to apply to the district for grants but instead to look to SAC as their umbrella organization," said Mayor Greg Gardner during community enhancement discussions in 2010.
"And they haven't, so we should support them in that."
This resulted in a specified amount being designated as the SACFund.
"SACFund is a special arts grant fund created and administered by the Squamish Arts Council, and funded by the District of Squamish," said SAC president Krisztina Egyed.
"The funds are available by application to local arts and culture organizations and individuals."
Egyed was thrilled to be one of four organizations to receive community enhancement money last year, and is equally encouraged by the district's equivalent $15,000 grant in 2011.
"At a time when arts funding in general is being cut back elsewhere, I'm very proud that here in Squamish our mayor and council recognize the commitment, vision and value of our arts and culture community."
SAC represents more than 35 local arts and culture organizations including the Squamish Farmers' Market Society, the Squamish Bhangra Dancers, Wild at Art, Sea to Sky Singers and several others.
In 2010, the SACFund was $5,000 and, according to Egyed, potential applicants were advised of the total amount before applying. The application call-out to artists went out in early 2010 and organizations had several months to compile applications.
All seven organizations that submitted applications received funding ranging from $250 to $1,500.
The Squamish International Folk Dancers received $250 for a folkdance workshop and the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association (HSPAA) received $1,200 towards the annual Howe Sound Music Festival to ensure the program meets its financial obligations.
"These funds will be used directly for the musical education of a large number of young people throughout the corridor and we can collectively celebrate in the knowledge that we have joined forces to create these important opportunities in Squamish," said Veronica McPhee, HSPAA executive director.
"More importantly, the partnership that has formed between HSPAA and SAC is a testament that the flow-through funding from local government is meeting the objectives of both SAC and the local government."
Between Shifts Theatre received $1,500 for a Christmas production in December 2011 that will run for two weeks.
"This sort of support is crucial in keeping arts alive and thriving in Squamish," said artistic director Kathy Daniels.
"Our theatre group provides opportunities for all ages to participate in and learn about the theatre craft - both in front and behind the scenes."
The Squamish Writers Group was awarded $350, Squamish Days Loggers Sports was awarded $275 to host an axeman logo design competition, and the Squamish Equinox Rock Festival received $1,000 to support local artists' performances.
Visuals was the only group that did not receive its initial request. According to Egyed, the $3,000 request was too large a chunk of the entire SACFund. The funding was for prints and wall units to be installed at the Adventure Centre and SAC decided to grant Visuals $500.
"We feel the SACFund is more about artist development than purchasing assets," said Egyed.
Based on the 2011 community enhancement grant, Egyed and the volunteer board will determine a figure for the 2011 SACFund and put out a call for applications in the coming months.
