Canada Revenue Agency this week published details of the 2018 charity information return filed by the London Arts Council.
The filing, for the period ending Dec. 31, 2018, shows total revenue for the year at $1.49 million, with total expenses at just over $1.48 million. Nearly 70 per cent of the council’s income came from governments, with $998,844 derived from the City of London and another $36,100 coming from the federal government. Other revenue, including funds from sources such as Ontario Trillium Foundation, London Community Foundation and sponsorships, came to $452,732. Receipted donations ($1,332) amounted to less than one tenth of one per cent of the agency’s income.
On the expenditure side, the arts council steered nearly $1.16 million to programming (a breakdown of 2018 grants in the largest of its programs, the Community Arts Investment Program, is available here). The council incurred expenses of $287,824 for seven staff salaries and had occupancy costs at its King Street location of $14,824. Another $12,612 was spent on professional and consulting fees. About $5,800 went to training for staff and volunteers, while $1,550 was spent on advertising.
The London Arts Council’s stated purpose is to work with “public, private and community partners to build and sustain Londoners’ awareness of, involvement in, and support for all artistic disciplines across the city.” Chief among its functions is the administration of the Community Arts Investment Program (CAIP), a funding program for local professional artists, artist collectives, and arts organizations that fosters artistic excellence. Additionally it offers assistance to artists, artist collectives and arts organizations with “professional development and training, networking and mentorship opportunities, and community connection and accessibility.” The council also advocates for public policies that support the arts.
A listing of recipients of the council’s CAIP grants for 2019 is available here. It shows the top recipients of funding in the current year as being Aeolian Hall Performing Arts Centre and Fringe London Theatre Festival ($55,000 each), followed by Palace Theatre ($50,000), Sunfest ($50,000), The ARTS Project ($50,000) and Home County Folk League ($40,000).
The London Arts Council is led by executive director Andrea Hibbert. Allison Price, director of programs and engagement at TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario, is president of the five-member board of directors.
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