The Arts' lone voice

By pieta woolley
http://www.straight.com/content.cfm?id=16889
Publish Date: 30-Mar-2006

Of the 67 speakers registered to quibble with Vancouver’s 2006 budget on March 22 and 23, only one represented the nonprofit arts community, as noted on the speakers’ list. Laurie Guy, communications manager at the Alliance for Arts and Culture, was number 66 on the list. She was travelling and not available by phone at press time.

Speaking on behalf of the private arts community were Leonard Schein, who owns the Fifth Avenue, Park, and Ridge movie theatres; Deanna Geisheimer, proprietor of Art Works Gallery in Yaletown; Henry Lee, who owns Tom Lee Music; and Sean Pacey, of Pacey’s Pianos. Many private businesses are concerned that property taxes—which help fund $4 million in cultural grants and subsidize the city’s three civic theatres—are too high.

On its Web site, the alliance warned readers that the city has a shortfall of $29.1 million, so it’s considering cutting services, raising property taxes, or both. Alliance staff suggested e-mailing the mayor and councillors with comments.