Community organizations around Victoria were left shocked and disappointed yesterday after the provincial government said they would no longer be directly eligible for gaming grants.
"I think it's particularly devastating and possibly short-sighted," said Scott Walker, co-ordinator of ProArt Alliance, which represents region's professional arts organizations.
Under the new funding rules, any charity or non-profit group that serves arts and culture programs to adults had its funding slashed entirely so the government can focus its spending on youth initiatives.
Only those who use the money to run fairs, festivals or museums will get cash -- but even they saw a 50 per cent reduction.
"It's a severe blow," said Mary Desprez, general manager of the Belfry Theatre, which received about $90,000 through gaming grants toward its $2.4-million operating budget for 2009-10. She's at a loss to explain how the theatre can make that up.
The new rules also aren't terribly clear, given that some adult arts organizations also run youth programming and festivals. "So much of this is left up in the air," Walker said.
Intrepid Theatre, which runs the popular summer Fringe Festival, isn't sure whether it will get a grant. Same goes for the Victoria Symphony, which has some youth-specific programs.
Ministry officials said yesterday that such organizations could at least apply. "I don't know that it means we'll get money," said symphony executive director Mitchell Krieger.
Arts groups aren't the only ones left worrying about their budgets -- adult sports organizations and wildlife groups also lost funding.
"It puts a damper on things," said Steve Scott, vice-president and adult co-ordinator of the Sooke Soccer Club. And it means more of a battle for fundraising dollars.
"There's no money from the foundations and no money from the public because everybody is getting hit with Haiti and other donations, and now there's no money coming from the government, so what's the answer?" asked Jackie Ballerone, a volunteer with Saltspring-based Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre.
The centre lost one-third of its budget -- $65,000 -- in gaming grants last year. Its future is unclear, said Ballerone.
