Lunchbox Theatre calling for donations amid funding crunch

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Economic troubles could potentially hit Calgary’s arts community, as a local theatre company launches a fundraising initiative.

Lunchbox Theatre is looking to raise $45,000 by Sept. 30, due to changes to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts funding model.

Chair of the Board of Directors Duval Lang said the Foundation changed their timing for funding release, doing it in quarterly payments instead of a lump sum that would normally come in June.

“And we got that information kind of at the last minute in June, so it was very difficult for us to re-adjust our budget for the upcoming season,” said Lang.

It poses a daunting situation, where the theatre may have to cut back on programming, fire staff, or worse.

“In the most horrible situation, we’d cease to operate,” said Lang. “We’re operating a pretty tight ship as it stands. I’m not sure how we could become more lean than we currently are, without letting people go.”

Fortunately, as the theatre has been operating since 1975, they have generated a loyal legion of fans that Duval hopes will stand up in their time of need.

“One thing that we can count on is a great deal of support. Our product is well-received,” added Lang.

There are six shows planned for this year, and Lang said they have already engaged with some artists so it would be awful to call them and cancel.

Lang knows it is a large sum of money they are hoping for, and it is a tough economy for everyone, but he has faith people will start to donate.

“For us to avoid the abyss that we are looking over the edge at right now.”

Donations can be made directly online by going to the theatre’s website or by calling their box office at 403-265-4292.

Lang also pointed out that due to the funding change from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, other arts organizations could be facing similarly dire straits and wants theatres fans from around the city to support the community.

“As soon as one institution goes down you can be damn sure that others are going to follow, which is a dreadful thing to say.”

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