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The Weyburn Arts Council held their annual general meeting on Feb. 21 at Signal Hill Arts Centre.
It was reported that "2010 proved to be a challenging year financially and with equipment upgrading a priority, but positive in that they now have their own office space at Signal Hill Arts Centre," according to Sandra Hanni, co-chair of the Weyburn Arts Council.
They will be preparing a package to present future supporters a view of their function in the community and how this could benefit them and themselves in that process. By increasing their partnerships with local businesses, the Arts Council had two new partners that garnered both financial and promotional opportunities for both parties.
The previous year's minutes were approved, and the annual report was read and approved with changes. Financial statement presented by previous treasurer, Dennis Mulhall, along with Marilyn Nelson, treasurer. The final draft will be presented at the next meeting for final approval before being submitted for review. An auditor was approved to review the 2010 financial statement.
Nominations for chair and secretary were opened. A motion that pending city council's approval, new director, Heather van der Breggen would take chairperson, co-chairing with Sandra Hanni. Gloria Scaddan offered to accept secretary position. Rickee Lee Webster joined the board. Retiring directors included Val Ness, Dennis Mulhall and Connie Paxman.
The Arts Council provides yearly scholarships for students going into the arts fields of piano, drama and visual arts.
In 2010, a tribute to a well-known artist and business person, Millie Coghill, was made by her grandson, Ian Coghill of B.C., who generously offered a yearly donation in her memory. This has been put to use toward the Fine Arts Award which has been renamed the Millie Coghill Fine Arts scholarship and is open for applications.
In regard to collections, the Arts Council is obtaining a Joe Fafard sculpture, which is being donated by Orm Mitchell, in memory of his father, W.O. Mitchell, a well-known writer and former resident of Weyburn.
Immediate future plans for Arts Council, will be conducting a two-part Strategic Planning session reviewing where they are and what they need to do to continue to keep the Arts Council viable in the community.
They will continue to work with supporters to present the arts and programs at the Allie Griffin Art Gallery and provide emerging artists opportunities to network and gain vital knowledge in their artistic journey.
