EDMONTON – The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) says it is looking at every option possible to make up for revenue shortfalls it’s been facing ever since the building reopened downtown in 2010.
“The challenges are raising the revenue that we need to continue to deliver the programs that we have been delivering and that we promised to deliver,” said Barry Zalmanowitz, AGA board chair.
Since the opening of the new downtown building, the gallery’s annual operating expenditures have increased from $4.8 million in 2009 to $6.3 million in 2013.
It relies on three key aspects to generate revenue: grants, fundraising and sponsorships, and operational revenue such as admission and private rentals.
However, the revenue for the gallery has failed to meet expectations over the past few years.
“We’ve tried things. We are constantly experimenting. Are we better to stay open late Wednesday night or Thursday night?” Zalmanowitz explained. “So yes, there’s always thinking by the professional staff at the art gallery.”
The City of Edmonton contributes $1.125 million every year through the Edmonton Arts Council’s Cornerstone Arts Operating Grant.
In 2013, City Council also directed a one-time allocation of $500,000 to the AGA through the Edmonton Arts Council. Over the next three years, the gallery’s budget shortfall will also be topped up by funds from the Arts Council.
“We’ve given them some time, essentially, to try to plug that gap in their budget,” said Mayor Don Iveson.
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“They seem to be redoubling their efforts around corporate sponsorship, which I think is important,” Iveson added. “I think if there’s more they can do, they’ve got some time to explore some options like that; be innovative about how to bring more people into the gallery.”
While he hopes it won’t come to it, Ward 8 City Councillor Ben Henderson says there is another option.
“I just want to put it out there because I think it’s something we have to think about, is a substantial rethink of the quality and quantity of the programming that goes on in the building.”
But, Zalmanowitz says the AGA will do everything it can to keep that from happening.
“I’m sure we’re going to find a solution over the next several years,” he said. A great city needs a great art gallery, it needs great cultural institutions… it’s not only a treasure for Edmonton, it’s something of great value for Alberta.”
“It’s still having a lot of the transformative effect for downtown that we would like,” Iveson added. “It’s an icon on the square, it does draw people, it does impress people from out of town. It’s a source of pride for Edmontonians.”
The AGA is in its 90th year of operation in Edmonton.
With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News.
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