Council continues partnership agreement with Kawartha Art Gallery for three more years

Council has directed staff to draft a new multiyear partnership agreement with the Kawartha Art Gallery (KAG) for council’s consideration following a deputation from gallery representatives at its July 21 meeting.

The direction followed a request by KAG to renew its partnership agreement with the city for another three years. The proposal calls for annual municipal operating funding of $200,000 from 2027 to 2029, the same level of funding requested in previous years, with no increase proposed.

The draft agreement would return to council for consideration in the first quarter of 2027.

In a deputation to council, Susan Taylor, KAG’s executive director, said the city’s investment during the past three years has helped the gallery strengthen its governance, build partnerships, attract external funding and create opportunities that benefit residents throughout Kawartha Lakes.

Taylor told council the gallery is focused on more than just presenting exhibitions; it’s also creating opportunities for artists, businesses, volunteers and residents across the city.

“Today, the gallery serves as more than a place where art is exhibited; it is a community institution that creates opportunities through art,” Taylor told council.

“The gallery’s artist index creates opportunities for artists to build professional visibility while showcasing the remarkable creative talent found throughout our region.”

Taylor also highlighted Curated Spaces, a gallery initiative that connects local businesses with artists by bringing original artwork into workplaces and public settings.

Dionne Beard, the gallery’s financial manager and bookkeeper, told council the gallery has a plan to maintain financial stability while continuing to grow other revenue sources.

Beard highlighted three points in the gallery’s financial strategy, including maintaining the requested municipal contribution at $200,000 annually throughout the three-year partnership, increasing total organizational revenue from $351,000 in 2027 to $380,000 by 2029, and not seeking an increase in municipal funding during the term of the agreement.

“Those three numbers demonstrate a clear financial strategy, maintaining a stable municipal partnership while growing and diversifying every other source of revenue,” Beard said.

Ward 5 Coun. Mark Doble supported KAG’s request, saying investments in arts and culture provide benefits to the community, including the commercial sector.

“An investment in the arts is exactly that; an investment that pays real and immediate dividends to our city, including our commercial sector,” Doble said.

Doble added he was pleased the gallery was not seeking an increase in funding despite challenging financial times, calling it a sign of responsible fiscal management.

Ward 2 Coun. Pat Warren also voiced support for the gallery’s request, saying KAG plays a role in supporting economic development in Kawartha Lakes.

“You facilitate economic development which we all need to thrive,” Warren said. “Hopefully, we can have that partnership going forward.”

Council voted to receive the deputation before Deputy Mayor and Ward 8 Coun. Tracy Richardson brought forward a resolution directing chief administrative officer Ron Taylor to develop an extended multiyear partnership agreement with the gallery, including future year operating funding, and return to council with a draft agreement for consideration in the first quarter of 2027.

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