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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday November 12, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Arts council feels threatened Continued from page 1 it out over 2009 and 2010. The $98,000 provided for cultural grants would be similarly phased out in two, 50 per cent reductions for each of the next two years. Although delegations regarding the 2009 budget will have a chance to address council next week, the budget committee voted in favour of allowing members of the public to speak at Monday's meeting. Megan Whittington, executive director of the Oakville Arts Council, used the opportunity to make a tearful plea to the budget committee not to cut arts funding. "The Oakville Arts Council advocates for and enables artists to communicate why the arts are so important for a livable Oakville," she said. "We absolutely need council's support, and so do all of our groups... Do not rush in and make these types of proposals and cuts this drastic to our community and the arts." The Oakville Arts Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate the arts and enrich the cre- ative life of the community of Oakville There are currently more than 250 members, encompassing about 50 nonprofit arts groups that represent 3,000 individuals, 50 forprofit businesses and 150 individual artists, who are mainly visual artists. Roughly 40 per cent of the Oakville Arts Council's operating budget is provided by the Town. This allows it to employ one full-time and two part-time employees, as well as carry out its various programs and initiatives. "With the money that the Town has given the Oakville Arts Council, that 40 per cent, we have leveraged another 60 per cent in funding to provide services and give back to the community," Whittington said to the committee. The arts council was also key in lobbying the Town for more money for cultural grants. Last year, funding from the Town for grants increased from $78,000 to $98,000, which was distributed to 15 local organizations. Whittington was still visibly upset following the meet- ing when she spoke to The Oakville Beaver about the possible funding cuts. "We need to be telling our councillors and mayor that this isn't even an option since there's been so much work that's gone into cultural planning," she said. "We're working so hard to advocate and communicate with the arts." The arts council was already scheduled to address council next week on increasing funding for cultural grants. Whittington said the arts council will still ask for the increase, but she is not hopeful it will happen. Oakville Arts Council staff said the timing of the proposed cuts is ironic, as the deadline for 2009 cultural grants, which are administered by the council, is next Friday. Public delegations regarding the 2009 budget will be heard on Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. at Town Hall in Committee Rooms 1 and 2 and Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. For information or to register a delegation, visit www.oakville.ca. Hyundai of Oakville 2008 Azera $ MAKING YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER IS 35,995 $ 6,000 Starting Price Cash Discount $ Cash Purchase Price 29,995 2008 Santa Fe 3.3 FWD $ 28,745 $ 4,000 Starting Price Cash Discount $ Cash Purchase Price 24,745 2500 South Service Road W., 905.845.7791 Together with our sister dealership Toronto Hyundai you will have preferred access to DOUBLE cross-dealer inventory. Hyundai Master mechanics in both locations. Over 5 decades of combined sales and service experience. Strong independently. Unbeatable together. That's Hyundai Harmony working for you. TM The Hyundai names, logos, product names, features names, images and slogans are trademarks owned by Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. and used under license. Cash purchase incentives are for cash purchase only and are calculated against the lease/finance starting price. Registration, insurance, license fees and all applicable taxes are excluded. Delivery and Destination charge includes freight, P.D.E., dealer admin fees and full tank of gas. O ers available for a limited time and subject to change or cancellation without notice. See dealer for complete details. Dealer may sell for less. Hyundai's Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage covers most vehicle components against defects in workmanship under normal use and maintenance conditions. Please see dealer for details.