Supporters are mourning the demise of popular arts programs that helped integrate persons with developmental disabilities with the wider community.
The artsparks acting, writing and singing programs at the Red Deer Public Library lost all of their funding when some $100,000 was cut by from the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Board. This resulted in the loss of two full-time positions.
Funds for the artsparks program at the Red Deer Museum were also slashed, although that amount could not be confirmed on Monday.
No reason was given for the cuts, although they came at a time when the provincial government is struggling with a projected deficit.
Community development librarian Tatiana Poliakevitch called the situation “ironic,” since artsparks was only recently well rated by the board for enhancing the lives of participants, including many disabled people who made friends and received high calibre arts instruction.
“It truly changed the lives of many people. . . . It was something special. A lot of people planned their week around artsparks,” said Poliakevitch, who added it’s “unfortunate” funding was cut. But she appreciates that local residents had access to these programs in some form since 2005.
And Poliakevitch is heartened that the community is already trying to fill the gaps.
Matt Gould, a former artsparks co-ordinator and artistic director of Tree House Youth Theatre, resolved that artsparks on the boards will continue under the umbrella of Tree House Youth Theatre, until the new Dry Heave Centennial play is staged in June.
While other options must be considered for the future, financial contributions towards the effort are being accepted by Lucinda Sheardown for Tree House Youth Theatre at ls.cada@telus.net or by calling 403-341-5508.
The library is offering a new twice-a-month Writers’ Club, which will be open for all Let’s Write program members and everyone else. Adult Stories is another monthly program that’s open to everyone. Both are accessible, fun and free for Red Deer residents and visitors, like other library programs. For more information, call Poliakevitch at 403- 318-9312.
Former artsparks co-ordinator Albertus Koett and local voice instructor Curtis Labelle will try holding Let’s Sing and Let’s Act programs twice a month to the HUB at 4936 Ross St. Poliakevitch said Koett and Labelle are forming a non-profit group and hoping to find other sources of funding.
Depending on their success, some membership fee might have to be charged, said Poliakevitch, who hopes the new location will be as successful at attracting members of the wider community, as well as the developmentally disabled. For more information, call 403-340-4869.
The museum’s visual arts program is expected to continue to spring. It will operate under new name and in a new studio when the renovated museum building opens in February.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com