Letter from Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People Re: Support for View Royal’s Continued Full Participation in CRD Arts Service (Group 1)

April 1, 2025

Mayor and Council Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Ave Victoria, BC V9B 1A6

RE: Support for View Royal’s Continued Full Participation in CRD Arts Service (Group 1)

Dear Mayor Tobias and Council Members,

We are writing to express our strong support for View Royal’s continued full participation in the CRD Arts Service at the Group 1 funding level.

The proposed motion to move View Royal from Group 1 to Group 2 would have significant negative consequences, not only for the broader arts community, but also for the View Royal residents who benefit from a vibrant arts ecosystem in our region.

A regional approach to arts funding ensures that high-quality arts programming is available across the Capital Regional District (CRD), providing economic, social, and cultural benefits to all municipalities, including View Royal. The CRD Arts Service enables the activation of arts events throughout the region, fostering creativity, tourism, and community engagement.

While the intent behind reallocating funds to a proposed Westshore Arts Centre is commendable, it is important to recognize that this should not come at the expense of a well-established and successful regional funding model.

In Kaleidoscope Theatre’s recent 2023-2024 theatre season alone, 33% of all our ticket buyers were residents of View Royal.

Reducing funding to the CRD Arts Service would directly affect the programs and opportunities we can offer. Not only that, a reduction of View Royal’s contribution could encourage other municipalities to follow suit, leading to a decline in overall arts funding in the region which limits opportunities for artists, organizations, and audiences region-wide. In the long term, this would not only impact arts organizations that apply for CRD Arts Service grants but could also lead to a reduction in the quality and availability of arts programming in the whole region.

View Royal has been a longtime leader in supporting the arts, and maintaining its Group 1 funding level is essential to upholding that leadership. A commitment to regional arts funding strengthens the entire CRD, ensuring that residents continue to have access to a diverse range of cultural experiences.

We respectfully urge you to reject the proposed motion and reaffirm View Royal’s dedication to fostering a thriving arts community by maintaining its Group 1 participation in the CRD Arts Service.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Pat Rundell Executive & Artistic Director

Amanda Sayad Director of Business and Development

Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People 613 Pandora Avenue, Victoria BC, V8W 1N8 kaleidoscope.bc.ca · 250-383-8124 · A Registered Canadian Charity, #118976885RR0001