It’s still not known if Greater Vernon will get a new museum and art gallery, but a process has been established to possibly get there.
On Tuesday, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee made some adjustments to the draft cultural plan, which must now be adopted.
“This was the big hurdle in the way to pursue things,” said Dauna Kennedy Grant, Vernon Public Art Gallery executive director.
“The next step is to look at infrastructure needs. I am optimistic we will see some progress on our project.”
Both the VPAG and the Greater Vernon Museum have been making the case for new facilities for years as the current buildings have structural issues and provide insufficient space.
However, any action on new facilities was stalled as the cultural plan was developed.
Juliette Cunningham, GVAC chairperson, isn’t sure when decisions may be made on an art gallery and museum.
“We want an advisory team formed and that’s where the discussion will occur. Cultural groups want input on facilities,” she said.
Within the plan, GVAC’s responsibilities are identified as well as activities it won’t provide, such as directly offering programs.
Another component of the master plan is GVAC possibly helping non-profit groups build internal capacity, possibly through training and grant writing workshops.
“We want to help cultural stakeholders be the best they can be without coming to us all of the time,” said director Catherine Lord.
The final document will now go to GVAC March 10 for approval.
“It will then carry through to the regional district board for consideration,” said Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator.