Steinbach Arts Council reports more than $1-M in revenue

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This article was published 09/09/2024 (292 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Steinbach Arts Council held its AGM on Aug. 28 and announced it had amassed $1.05 million in revenue for 2023/24, an increase of $122,799 over last year.

“We are seeing that the classes and opportunities are growing but so is the donation line in our accounting or the sponsorship line. People are really coming on board because they understand the value of participating in arts and culture opportunities for people of all ages,” said executive director David Klassen.

The organization has managed to maintain a near 100 percent donor and sponsor retention rate. Klassen said SAC puts a lot of energy into making sure that lines of communication are strong with donors and sponsors and recognizing them as valuable contributors in the community.

“We’ve put a system of communication in place and we’ve really worked really hard to build those relationships and to make sure that we feel like family in the arts. So, I think there’s a great deal of loyalty to arts and culture in general and we’ve also worked very hard to foster strong relationships with all of these people.”

Klassen said this past year was amazing and was filled with activity and public engagement. Space rentals have increased which has helped the organization’s bottom line, but space continues to be an issue for SAC as is classroom configuration and noise transfer. SAC is working with other “satellite locations” to run its programs. Klassen said the organization has felt the “squeeze” of space for a number of years, but looking for a new location at this time is not something SAC is exploring.

Classes and workshops have seen an increase in demand especially in the performing arts with large numbers of students returning. The partnership with BOSS Dance Academy is still going strong and visual arts classes remain popular. The pottery program has also seen growth.

While classes and workshops have seen an increase, the challenge of performance venues to meet audience demand and scheduling of performances with venue operators continues to be a challenge. SAC’s strong partnerships with different churches and schools in the city continues to be strong.

It was also a strong exhibit season with Klassen calling it “one of the most exciting in my years with SAC.”

“So I don’t know I would attribute it to anything other than us being active in the community and making sure that people understand and know what we can offer,” he said.

The Southeast Open Judged Exhibit stands out in Klassen’s mind as an example of a strong show.

“We are so excited to be able to provide a space for artists young and old artists, new and old, to put their work on these walls and really have the community experience that and celebrate it together with all those artists that continues to be a highlight for me.”

Looking ahead, SAC will do more cultural programming by including more Indigenous content in the concert and exhibit seasons. It will also do a gallery expansion with support from the Steinbach Community Foundation. SAC has also merged with the Southeastern Manitoba Festival, which Klassen said will take the day-to-day matters out of the festival organizer’s hands.

“It really allows them to focus on the things that they love to do and do well, which is to put on great opportunities to perform for kids and adults.”

To learn more about SAC classes or workshops or to buy tickets to events visit steinbacharts.ca.