Cessnock Regional Art Gallery is facing imminent closure after Cessnock City Council knocked back a request for $36,000 in emergency funding at last week’s meeting.
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Councillors voted 9-1 for Cr. Morgan Campbell’s motion that council decline the request for funding and offer the use of space at the library and Cessnock Performing Arts Centre until the completion of the strategic review.
Cr. Campbell it was with a “heavy heart” that he moved that way, as he was a huge supporter of the gallery, but that it would be irresponsible for council to continue to fund an “unsustainable” operation.
Gallery director John Barnes said he was incredibly disappointed at the decision, but that the gallery’s management committee met on Tuesday morning to discuss a range of strategies to stay open.
Plans include a special exhibition and art auction, possibly in the first week of May, while other fundraising activities and expenditure-saving measures will be explored.
Council is currently conducting a strategic review on the need for an art gallery, with the outcomes to be reported in coming weeks.
Council’s consideration of 2014/15 funding for the art gallery ($60,000) was suspended last year pending the outcome of the strategic review.
The NSW Government also withheld funding in 2015 after providing $40,000 last year, something Dr. Barnes puts down to a “perceived absence of council support”.
He said this effective loss of $100,000 in income had forced the gallery to rely on its cash reserves, hence the plea for the $36,000 in emergency funding, which would have taken it through until the end of the financial year.
Since its inception in 2009, the gallery has been funded by a combination of private and corporate donations, grant funding from arts organisations and Arts NSW, and some in-kind and occasional financial support from council.
In that time council has twice provided $60,000 unconditional funding to the gallery in its annual budget, plus $40,000 emergency funding in 2009-10. It also has acquired the building and carpark ($750,000).
While the gallery operates rent-free in the council-owned building (an estimated saving of $35,000 a year), its costs include 1.4 employees, electricity, insurance, security, office expenses, advertising and marketing.
Volunteers assist on many days, and its events are run on a “shoestring budget”, with in-kind support from local businesses and sponsors.
“We’ll be doing our best to stay open, as long as we’re meeting all of our responsibilities,” Dr. Barnes said.
“But everything’s a bit unsure.”
Cr. James Ryan moved that council provide the emergency funding, be briefed on the strategic review, and meet with the gallery board to form a sustainable financial plan, but was defeated 9-1.
Cr. Ryan said the purchase of the building and carpark was an asset to the council, and what it has spent on the gallery, the benefit to the broader community and culture is “magnified tenfold”.
“We’ve come this far, to spend $36,000 to keep it going... why let it go now?” he said.
Cr. Ian Olsen said he had always opposed council’s funding of the gallery and that he wished the other councillors had listened to him back in 2008.
“Finally people are starting to see what this art gallery has cost this community,” Cr. Olsen said.
“Yes, they’re (the building and carpark) an asset, but they are draining our funds.
“If you want to start an art gallery, get in and volunteer.
“There are plenty of privately-owned galleries around this town.”
Dr. Barnes said there is evidence that cultural facilities provide a significant return on investment for councils, with reports by Central NSW councils showing increased economic and social benefits, contributions to social capital and community wellbeing, and millions of dollars generated for the regions.
“We’re trying to convince the councillors that every penny spent is not a cost, but an investment in the wellbeing of the community,” he said.
“From primary school groups to University of the Third Age, the gallery appeals to the city’s oldest and youngest citizens and all points in between.”
Gallery assistant Emmie Hallett said it was promising that most of the councillors were “pro-art” and understood that the gallery needs a space.
“Low-cost accessible participation in the arts is extremely beneficial to communities,” she said.
“It’s a space that supports the wellbeing of the community, and is one of the only free things to do in the city.
“I’ve never heard of a town that thrived after the closing of its art gallery, but many have after investing in one.”