PG & District Community Arts Council toasts hard work of Executive Director, Wendy Young (centre)

Prince George, BC – In the four and a half years since she stepped in on a ‘temporary’ basis to fill the post of Executive Director of the Prince George and District Community Arts Council, Wendy Young has boosted the local council’s standing from middle of the pack to this year’s high of 4th in BC.

With the new ranking comes a jump in the funding grant from the Arts Council of BC – to $21.2-thousand this year, up from $17.5-thousand last year.

In total, there are 86 arts councils in the province.  The local arts council is assessed in the ‘large’ category, but is the smallest in its division.  In evaluating the PGDCAC on artistic achievement, community engagement, and organizational capacity, the BC Arts Council commended the strong range of local programs and deep community connections. 

Long-time Community Arts Council supporter and mentor, Elizabeth MacRitchie, says the increase in the merit-based grant is a testament to the hard work and passion Young has brought to the Executive Director position.  MacRitchie says the council had been rudderless for a few years as a few people moved through the executive director position.  "Wendy has made this a thriving place to come, once again," says MacRitchie.  "She has created a space (at Studio 2880) where artists are willing to come to sell their wares."

She highlights a new feature gallery inside the studio, outside art pieces, the continued success of the Preschool of the Arts and Studio Fair, as well as increased ticket sales as all being the result of Young’s vision and drive.

In its comments, the BC Arts Council also raised concerns about the Executive Director’s limited hours – it’s only a part-time funded position.  Young jokes it’s a concern for her, as well.  She says she knew she would be taking a hit, financially, and credits her partner’s support, as she works to build the local arts council to its full potential.

Young’s goal is to work towards funding three positions on a full-time basis – Executive Director, Event Coordinator, and Programs Coordinator.  She credits help and guidance she’s received from supports in the community with helping her to secure funding for a number of programs from non-traditional sources.  And she’s hopeful she’ll meet with the says success. 

"I don’t go follow the traditional paths for funding, I’ve learned to go where the dollars are.  You can’t just follow the traditional little arts stream flow."