Members of the Summerland Community Arts Council wonder what the future will hold for them as a result of provincial funding cuts.

“Things are good right now and our funding is in place until March, but it’s looking pretty bleak for next year,” said Heather Elander, executive director of the Summerland Arts Centre and Gallery.

The organization will apply for provincial gaming funds in December, but it is not known whether this funding will be available.

Elander said two grants are in jeopardy.

The gaming grant, worth around $25,000, is the largest single source of funding for the arts council.

Elander said the arts council board has been advised to apply early, in case funds are given out on a first come, first served basis.

A smaller grant, from the B.C. Arts Council, is worth around $3,500. This had been given as an operating grant in the past.

Provincial funding makes up around 40 per cent of the Summerland Arts Council’s annual budget of roughly $65,000.

Earlier this year, the provincial government decided to cut the funding, citing tough economic conditions.

In September, the province reversed its decision, but said applicants would have to apply every year since multi-year commitments would not continue.

Sue Gibbs, president of the Summerland Arts Council, said the funding cuts will mean the gallery will no longer be able to have a full-time executive director.

Other changes could include shortening the gallery hours, reducing funding for member groups or cutting programs.

“The arts council, in one way or another, will survive,” she said, “but a lot of our presence will be reduced.

The council is looking for ways to make up the money.

Fund-raising initiatives have been held, but they do not bring in enough money to cover the potential cuts.

Gibbs said the council is also looking at money available from foundations and at sponsorships.

She said in 1999, when casinos were brought in, the province promised to distribute 25 per cent of gaming revenues to charities around communities with casinos. Gaming revenues in 2009 totaled $1.09 billion.

Last year, the province distributed $156 million to charities and next year, the money is expected to come in at less than $100 million.