The Kimberley Arts Council – Centre 64, is  a long-standing community centre institution, intent on supporting the arts in  all its various forms. Past and present staff and Boards of Directors have been the continuing motivating factor in making Centre 64 a hub of creative activity.

On behalf of the Board and staff of the Kimberley Arts Council – Centre 64, the board wishes to provide an update as to recent events within the organization to our supporting community, as a way of alleviating any rumours and/or misinformation.

The past few years have certainly been difficult for Centre 64 when considering the restrictive social issues with COVID-19, building maintenance requirements that caused the closure of the building for a period of time as well as some untimely staff turnover, greatly affecting the routine operation. As a result of this combination of circumstances the financial health of Centre 64 has suffered.

On  May 5, 2024 at the Society’s well-attended Annual General Meeting, four new board members were elected with the existing board members, Kathy Clarke, Carol Fergus, Karmin Snow and Marie Wright, remaining on the board to serve out their remaining terms. Linda Douglas, past President, has since resigned but wants to remain involved in several current projects, for which the board is most grateful.

At the first board meeting, May 14, Edwin Alm was elected President, Marianne Rennick elected as Vice-President, Joseph Cross elected as Treasurer and Fernanda Fernandez as Secretary. This constituted a brand-new Executive group, with the President and the Treasurer having strong financial and managerial backgrounds and experience. At this time, the board has elected to not replace the current vacancy but may revisit the issue if the need arises.

Prior to the May 5, 2024, AGM the Centre 64 staff had unionized and successfully negotiated a contract. The 2024 Board of Directors has identified one of its key priorities going forward is to retain staff, treating them with respect and making them feel like valued members of the Centre 64 team.

The board will aspire to ‘Best Practices’ for board/staff relationships, including the delineation of roles and responsibilities, and will look to integrating responsible financial management.

The entire board has every confidence that they will successfully address their ongoing financial and staffing issues, work towards a sustainable, thriving and enjoyable place for all that enter the doors and ask for the community and Centre 64 member’s continued support in helping the board to achieve its clearly defined goals.

Kimberley Arts Council

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