Arts space in a highrise development proposed for South Surrey would best be operated by one or two non-profit groups, city officials have heard.
The recommendation was shared Tuesday at a meeting of the culture development advisory committee at Surrey City Hall.
But consultant Lori Baxter cautioned against rushing to call for parties interested in the role to apply.
“Until it’s actually real, and you know what the specific spaces are, I think it’s unfair to have people put in an RFP (request for proposals),” Baxter told the committee.
Baxter was hired last June to research governance options for a proposed theatre, contemporary arts space and café. The space was presented as part of a proposal to build more than 300 residential units in two highrises at 19 Avenue and 152 Street.
With an update on the development expected in the coming months, Baxter said it is important for the city to have its ducks in a row on the governance issue.
In discussing Baxter’s recommendations – which included establishing a means for community input into the proponent-selection process – committee member Wendy Bollard of Peninsula Productions asked if there is a “Plan B” for performing arts in South Surrey, should the development not be approved.
In response, committee chair Surrey Coun. Judy Villeneuve pointed to the city’s 2011 commitment to use a two-phased expansion plan to boost arts and culture space on the Semiahmoo Peninsula. The first phase resulted in the new space at the South Surrey Recreation and Art Centre. The second phase has always been for performing and visual arts space, and “we’re working on it from that perspective,” Villeneuve said.
Last week, Surrey’s manager of arts services, Sheila McKinnon, told Peace Arch News that non-profit governance was the preferred model of those who attended a community meeting with Baxter in South Surrey on Jan. 8.
“Out of the 50-plus people that were there, there were only a few people that thought the city should operate the space,” she said.
Baxter noted Tuesday that there was “a significant difference of knowledge” amongst attendees regarding the degree of work already put into the process, as well as some misunderstanding regarding non-profit organizations, including that they are managed by professionals.
She cited reduced costs and an increased community connection as among advantages of non-profit governance, with challenges including establishing stable and reliable funding.
Regardless of the governance model chosen, the city would need to provide funding to support operations consistent with that of existing city-run facilities, Baxter said.
Committee member Chris Thornley, of Thornley Creative Communications, said he could foresee challenges in getting quality board members for the operating group or groups. He also expressed concern regarding fundraising, that it might be more challenging for two groups than one.
“The pot isn’t as deep as people think it is,” Thornley said. “It’s a big issue that should be looked at… Maybe one society has more value than you might think.”
Baxter is to present her finalized report to the committee at the end of February.