(File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Silver lining

Dekker Centre reports deficit eliminated; looks to be more accessible

Jun 15, 2021 | 5:02 PM

The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts gave a presentation to North Battleford city council this week, showing it is now in good financial footing despite the pandemic.

General Manager Kali Weber and Kerilyn Voigt of the Dekker Centre Board of Directors participated in the meeting via Zoom.

Weber discussed the 2020 audited financial statements and gave an update on plans ahead.

“The Dekker Centre has eliminated our ongoing deficit,” she said. “We have increased our cash flow, and you’ll notice we’ve applied for and received numerous subsidies and grants from all levels of government to help and sustain our organization during the pandemic.”

The organization finished 2020 with a roughly $58,000 surplus and eliminated a $37,000 deficit from 2019, according to the operating statements.

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Weber also credited frugal fiscal management for improving the financial picture for the organization and helping put the Dekker Centre on “secure financial footing.”

She also gave an update on the non-profit’s plans ahead during her report.

Among the organization’s goals are to increase accessibility, by looking for ways to remove financial barriers so more people can attend shows at the theatre.

Weber says the organization also wants to create partnerships with seniors’ groups, strengthen relationships with local Indigenous communities and plan to increase diversity in programming.

The Dekker Centre board also plans to utilize live-streaming more often so people can see the performing arts from the comfort of their own homes.

“Because we have shown a surplus, we’re now figuring out how can we put that back into our community,” Weber said. “The biggest thing is to try to get the building more accessible to more people.”

Looking ahead, the organization aims to make improvements to the facility as well, which is approaching its 10 year anniversary in 2022.

This August, the Dekker Centre will be presenting its proposed program for the fall of 2021.

“I hope I can see you in person in the fall,” Weber said. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming an audience back to the Dekker Centre.”

Mayor David Gillan applauded the Dekker Centre’s success over the past year.

“We can feel the energy, feel the passion,” he said. “We’re happy to hear, number one, your improved financial position, and there are some silver linings in COVID that have come about—that we’re looking forward to seeing more live-stream series, more diversity, and more local artists. These are all fantastic.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow