Beaverlodge & Area Cultural Society
Annual General Meeting
March 21, 2024
President’s Report
The Society has had a full term with many changes. We hired a new Executive Director, Harmony Freeman, in April and are very happy with the experience, innovation and enthusiasm that she has brought to the center. I have been working closely with Harmony as we both settled into our new roles.
The primary focus for the Board this past term has been exploring fundraising. Grant funding for daily operations has decreased over the past few years and we have had to look at alternatives to keep the doors open and the building maintained.
2023 brought more than 3850 guests into our centre. The Eric Bask Memorial Bursary was awarded on Behalf of BACS to Marie-Andre Cymbaluk and the BACS High School Art Bursary was awarded to Molly Bates. Molly was also hired as our Summer Student and was featured in our Mini Gallery for her first solo exhibition.
Harmony completed a Community Needs Assessment where it was identified that art classes are a want in the community. She has begun working with local instructors as well as the Art and Craft Clubs to provide learning opportunities in our community.
Highlights of work from the Board and Executive Director for last term are:
Funding
- Received Operational Grants from The County of Grande Prairie, Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Town of Beaverlodge
- Special Tea Room Events
- Painting Raffle & 50/50 Raffles
- Soliciting Corporate Sponsorships
- Silent Auction
- Reviewed and raised rent for private studio spaces
Community Engagement
- Increased Social Media Presence
- Attendance at the Town of Beaverlodge Community Information Events
- Attendance at the Beaverlodge Art Walk, South Peace Centennial Museum Pioneer Days, Beaverlodge Christmas Craze and the Beaverlodge Library Christmas Artisan Fair
- Hosted three family focused event days encouraging participation in the arts
- Monthly Newsletter has been created and distributed to an increasing email list
- Volunteer recruitment campaign was started
Building Maintenance
- Complete inventory and reorganization of the Gift shop
- Clean out and reorganization of all storage areas
- Inventory and organization of Permanent Collection
- Repairs and maintenance completed in vacant studios, both spaces have new tenants
- Received Food Service Permit and altered kitchen to meet Alberta Health Services requirements
It’s been a busy 16 months and we are excited for the year to come!
Michelle Forrester
BACS President
Beaverlodge Area Cultural Society Board of Directors for 2024
Michelle Forrester, President
April Smith, Vice President
Vicki Hotte – Secretary
Cindy Nychka – Treasurer
Sharon Dul – Director
Linda Land – Director
Mickey Death – Director