Qualicum Beach's iconic The Old School House Arts Centre is struggling to keep its operations going.
High operating costs and the lack of funding are impacting the existence of TOSH, which revealed its situation when officials appeared as a delegation at town council's regular meeting on May 14.
TOSH secretary Mischa Oak informed council through responsible management and application of some difficult cost-saving measures, they were able to overcome the many challenges and difficulties they had to endure on their own, particularly during COVID. They also raised funds to pay for programming and classes.
"When the pandemic hit, we received no emergency COVID funding." said Oak. "Previous leaders hadn't registered us for available grant programs and we've never received operational funding from any level of government. The impact was severe. Events were cancelled, visitors disappeared and many volunteers didn't return. So we had to make some tough decisions, cutting programs, reducing staff and overhauling operations. We reduced our 2023 deficit by 92 per cent, from $147,000 to under $12,000 through donations, education programs and streamlining."
TOSH last year connected with more than 135,000 people and is now asking the town to invest in the future of its cultural cornerstone as they are running out of options.
"We know that our old model no longer works and without new investment we risk losing progress and 2025 could be a turning point not for the better," said Oak. "We've done the cost-cutting and reorganization, and we continue to develop a more sustainable funding model fee for service request to help stabilize operations and safeguard progress. We are requesting an interim investment of $29,000 for the remainder of this year."
This funding will support two essential contractor roles, said Oak.
"First, to sustain education, exhibitions and community events," Oak explained. "And second, to ensure reliable front desk and visitor services. This investment would help prevent disruptions caused by staffing limitations, particularly during the high-traffic summer seasons and enable leadership to concentrate on strategy funding and organizational growth."
Oak said that in 2023, TOSH just received $700 in municipal funding, which pales in comparison to the $142,000 allocated for the Comox Valley Art Gallery and $123,000 for the Qualicum Museum.
The arts centre also raised funds.
TOSH does apply for federal grants but Oak said, "over 95 per cent of these funds are restricted to specific projects. So this lack of operating funds from any level puts us at a disadvantage."
Communities like Revelstoke, North Okanagan and Salmon Arm, Oak pointed out, all fund their cultural assets and recognize the economic and cultural value of their arts organizations.
"While TOSH serving 15,000 in-person visitors annually, it currently receives no comparable funding," said Oak, who added that the community values TOSH, since it was named Oceanside's favourite art gallery by PQB News readers.
"By making this investment today, you're not just supporting an art centre, you're investing in a cultural anchor that draws visitors, supports the local economy and shapes the vibrant atmosphere that defines our special town."
TOSH has leased the building from the town for more than 35 years and reported financial difficulties when it signed a new five-year lease in January 2024, which restricted the items permitted for sale at the arts centre.
At that time, council specified that retail sales at TOSH will be limited to the sale of bundled art supplies to minimize overlap with the business community, according to a 2024 statement by the Town of Qualicum Beach. TOSH then removed the gift shop from its ground floor and the items for sale were spread out around the building.
During the May 14 meeting, council made no decision on TOSH's request. They will wait for the town's financial director and staff to come up with a report on the best way to assist TOSH.
Mayor Teunis Westbroek agreed that TOSH is a valuable asset of the town.
"There was a book written about the secrets of Qualicum Beach by Mr. (Brad) Wylie who said that, 'The Old School House represents everything that is good about Qualicum Beach.'"
