Kimberley Arts Council hosting more classes, events after challenging year

Kimberley’s own arts hub is getting creative with its funding sources amid what President Ed Alm called a “diminishing pot of funds” across the province.

“Last year I stood here and said, I’m not asking for any money,” Alm told Council Monday (Apr. 27). 

“I’m standing here today saying, ‘I’m not asking for any money because it’s just not there’. I get that, but we have to find a way to prioritize the services that we offer to the city of Kimberley.”

Alm presented an update on the Kimberley Arts Council’s operations in 2025, citing a $37,000 loss and the lack of a manager.

“We had to do some pretty heavy lifting to take the job that the manager was typically doing,” he added.

He also highlighted the local volunteers who have been dedicating “their days and their nights making things happen for Centre 64” to generate some cash despite these challenges.

As a result, and with grant funding becoming more competitive, Centre 64 is now looking to build non-grant revenue through classes like painting and tie-making for fishing, theatre, movie and live events, and by having artists showcase their work at the gallery.

“Centre 64 is becoming the soul of Kimberley,” said Alm. “We are the community center. We are the gathering spot now.”

Councillor Sandra Roberts showed her support for the arts and cultural center, saying it had been the sports-centred city’s first bastion for the creatives when it was built in 1976.

The Centre is set to host a stage opening on June 5.

The Kimberley Arts Council’s next Annual General Meeting will be on May 11.