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ASK sets its sights on delivering its mandate Arts Society King welcomed a new slate of officers to carry out the organization's mandate for the next two years. By Mark Pavilons Fostering inspiration, understanding and appreciation for the arts, heritage and nature in King takes a concerted effort by many dedicated groups and individuals. Providing that top-shelf leadership and programming is what Arts Society King (ASK) is all about. Armed with some new board members and a revamped business plan, ASK plans on meeting its mandate and turning a profit, in the years to come. ASK held its well-attended AGM at the King Museum recently, proving just why they're the go-to arts and culture organization in the region. Out-going president Geoff Simpson said it takes a team effort to support the arts and present the annual arts festival. He mentioned sponsors and partners that include the Township of King, King Music Centre (for use of the Postmasters House), TRCA, U of T and horticultural societies, to name a few. Simpson provided an annual review, which included a visioning session, the creation of the ASK business plan, grant details, ASK's presence at many local events, the impact of Mosaic magazine and the banner program in King. The group's list of activities and events is impressive, indeed. They include the spring studio tour and the massive month-long ASK Festival in June and July. Family Nature Days, new this year, were a huge hit. The use of Nobleton's Postmasters House was a great benefit to the organization, but the property was sold recently. With help from the Township, ASK will likely settle into its new home at the King Museum. “It's awe-inspiring what this group accomplishes,” Simpson said. Brent McLean provided the treasurer's report, noting they earned a profit of $9,600 for the fiscal year ending in September. They would like to see all of the events ASK provides to generate a profit in the neighbourhood of 20% in order for them to be sustainable. Grants, particularly a sizeable one from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, accounts for roughly 53% of the group's revenue. Lynda Rogers presented the business plan, which includes four major objectives. They include generating a profit by the end of 2015; fulfilling the requirements of the Trillium grant; obtaining a charitable donation number, and increasing events and their profitability. This fluid document is a work in progress, she said, noting it changes constantly as the group moves forward. Community involvement is the backbone of ASK, and they're always finding new ways to interact and share arts and culture with residents and visitors. They may have to implement some small changes in order to continue providing those top-level programs. Leading the charge in the 2013-2015 term is the new board – Sue Iaboni, president; Denny Starritt, vice-president; Lynda Rogers, past-president; Sheila Middleton, secretary. They are still looking for a permanent treasurer. Directors include Irene Bayer, Sharon Bentley, Ann Livingstone, Chirstine Paige, Liina Peacock, Jennifer Peers, Murdene Pozdrowski, Elaine Robertson, Cathy Webster, Dr. Art Weiss, Tom Wray. Councillor Debbie Schaefer joins as a Township liaison and Mayor Steve Pellegrini was named an honourary director, charged with helping to spread the word about ASK. Iaboni said she originally got involved in ASK shortly after moving to King in 2007. She thanked Geoff and welcomed the “new faces” who will provide excitement and energy to the organization. ASK values the support by King Township in their events and their transition to the Museum. ASK is not sustainable without Trillium funding at this point, Iaboni observed so they have some challenges ahead. But they have many fundraising ideas and a wealth of new families in King to reach out to. They are creating sponsorship packages and will introduce a music and food program – Winter Bites – in the new year. “We have a lot going for us,” she said. If you'd like more information, visit www.artssocietyking.ca. |
| Excerpt: Fostering inspiration, understanding and appreciation for the arts, heritage and nature in King takes a concerted effort by many dedicated groups and individuals. |
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Post date: 2013-12-03 14:30:59 Post date GMT: 2013-12-03 19:30:59 Post modified date: 2014-01-22 09:07:27 Post modified date GMT: 2014-01-22 14:07:27 |
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