Local artists have been given two more weeks to send in their submissions for the fourth Annual Wild At Art festival. Visual arts co-ordinator Judy McQuinn has shifted the deadline from Jan. 15 to Feb. 1. As applications roll in, organizers are holding their breath that money will follow.
On Tuesday (Jan. 8) festival co-ordinator Carolyn Grass made a presentation to council at a strategy session asking for a $25,000 grant. While the festival asks for money every year, this year's budget depends on many outstanding grant applications that could bring the event an extra $134,000.
"The festival date is rapidly approaching and we are anxious to finalize our budget," said Grass.
She estimated that with in-kind donations taken into account, the festival's expenses have tripled from about $100,000 in 2007 to $300,000 in 2008. The festival's growth is part of its lead up to the 2010 Olympics.Wild at Art was born out of the successful bid for the Olympics and the need for more Arts and Cultural programming along the Sea to Sky corridor during the Games. The festival was created as one way to include Squamish in the festivities.
Since the festival started up in Feb. 2004, it has grown from one day to 10 days. The district's financial support has grown in turn, with the original grant of $5000 reaching $15,000 in 2007.
While council did not vote on the grant, Mayor Ian Sutherland praised the work of volunteers, noting, "You've done an excellent job, it's a fantastic festival." In previous years a major expense has been paying for outside talent to headline the festival and bring in a greater number of visitors.
This year, organizers are aiming to pay all performers even if it is in the form of a small $50 honorarium.
"Last year all the local performers basically donated their time," Grass said. "We really feel that that's wrong. We want to pay them something, some kind of an indication rather than taking advantage of all our local talented people just because they're local."
Coun. Greg Gardner suggested a reversal of the old formula.
"Maybe we should not be paying non-local performers," he said.
Council will discuss the grant further at the regular council meeting on Jan. 15.Artists interested in showcasing their work during the festival are asked to submit photographs of up to four pieces of art with contact information to [email protected].
