Leader & District Arts Council warns next season could be its last

The Leader & District Arts Council says declining attendance and community support could force the long-running organization to close after more than four decades of bringing arts programming to the community.

The council, which has operated for more than 40 years, says it is facing a difficult reality as it plans for the coming season.

Volunteers with the Leader & District Arts Council gathered recently as the organization reflects on more than 40 years of bringing music, theatre and visual arts programming to the community. The council says declining attendance and support could put its future at risk if community involvement does not increase. FACEBOOK PHOTO

What began as a small group of volunteers has grown into an organization that has presented professional performances, brought artists into local schools, and provided arts programming in long-term care homes.

Over the years, the Arts Council has also offered scholarships for young artists, hosted free community concerts and organized visual art exhibitions open to the public.

But organizers say declining support now threatens the future of the program.

“With declining attendance and community support, there is a real possibility that next season could be our last,” the council said in a statement.

If the Arts Council were to close, the community would lose school performances, opportunities for local artists, arts programming for seniors and scholarships for young people, the statement said.

Organizers say the future of the Arts Council depends on renewed support from the community.

Residents are encouraged to attend performances, purchase season tickets, volunteer and encourage others to support local arts programming.

The council says it hopes to continue bringing music, theatre and visual arts to the community for many years to come.