Concerning the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre (GVCC), a letter to GVAC (Greater Vernon Advisor Committee) and The Morning Star
Encouraged by the news in September that the cultural centre had been approved for short-term borrowing, we would now like to know how to help as the project moves forward. As active members of the community, we have been waiting in the wings, trusting that the project is in able hands.
Since the go-ahead was granted and funding has been put in place, what is happening now? As stakeholders from the cultural sector, we would like to be involved so as to reflect our diverse and specific needs. We believe that through dialogue, exchange and collaboration, (the Vernon Art Gallery, the Vernon Museum, volunteer active citizens from the cultural sector, the RDNO and the Vernon council) we can find solutions that can impact the cost of building. We can not only help to fund raise but also contribute to a discussion furthering economical pathways for building costs and future operating costs. Answers can emerge by recognizing our opportunity to become a robust and sustainable ecology through co-creation. Collaboration is not a process that happens naturally – it is a process that requires civic participation, proactive transparency, and real accountability.
How can we help? We can begin by requesting that the bid be advertised to find the contractor that will build the GVCC and that this will be followed up with public transparent reportage and accountability. As artists, cultural workers and institutions we are ready to show up for one another and for society. We want to see construction on the GVCC begin as soon as possible in order to stem the potential for greater costs. 2025 was cited as the year to break ground. Open government principles increase trust and improve service delivery and sustainability. This is an opportunity to recognize and cocreate opportunities to further the actualization of the construction of the GVCC.
We are organizing a citizen’s committee to aid in the process. Look for www.gvccsupportgroup.ca to see how you can participate.
Sincerely,
Julie Oakes and Aj Jaeger
