As the dust settles …

Now that the immediate impact of the BC Gaming cuts have become more clear, we wanted to give you all an update as to how they will affect operations at Screaming Weenie.

It is important to mention that normally we are always looking to stay very optimistic in our communications with the public about the future and funding in particular.  But it is important that the everyone understands the gravity of the situation for social profit entities in British Columbia in 2009.

With the cut in funding from BC Gaming,  we are faced with a 100% cut of our entire operations funding.  Screaming Weenie relied on this source to pay for everything from the lights to paper to communications to the web site to book keeping.   When going after project funding, having BC Gaming support was important to show the granting bodies that your infrastructure was stable and had basic administration covered.  Now that the Gaming support is gone, this sheds a shroud of doubt on all social profit organizations in BC, including ours.

With the new realities presented to us, we have reorganized to do our best to continue to pursue our mandate.

Our planned spring show at PAL had to be cut. Instead, we are focusing on keeping our commitment to partner with Zee Zee Theatre on Nelly Boy next month at the PAL Theatre. The project allows us to wrap up this season’s Queerly Canadian Series with the production of new work.

However, into November the future is much less clear as we turn down operations and attempt to keep the metaphorical pilot light on. Our programs QWEST and the Sanctuary Project will be in limbo until future funding becomes more clear.

As usual, my door remains open to anyone from our community with thoughts or questions.

Thanks to all our supporters.

Seán Cummings

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