The years of pandemic, drought, fire, and floods have not been kind to the Las Vegas Arts Council.

Although the facility on Bridge Street was not damaged, much of the area served by the Council was devastated. The pain and loss carried over into the business and nonprofit communities of the Las Vegas and Mora areas.

Richard Lindeborg, the current president of the organization, points out that during these hard times, the Council presented as many online art shows as it could.

“There were fewer shows overall,” he said. “Without the usual level of excitement.” The Council was not able to put on the traditional People’s Faire for three years or host the Missoula Children’s Theatre for two years.

“The number of members in the Arts Council shrank from well over 100 to the high 30s, he said, “and other sources of funding declined as well. Programs are back, but the organization continues to struggle financially,”

The Arts Council has been in operation since 1976 and is the only community art gallery dedicated to presenting contemporary and traditional art.

“We’ve called a couple of retired board officers back into service and are planning fundraising activities to help us exit 2023 in the black and build a foundation for 2024,” Lindeborg said.

The Arts Council has already launched a Go Fund Me campaign to raise $2,500 or more to meet expenses through the holidays. To contribute, go to this GoFundMe.com link. Former Arts Council President Bob Henssler set up the campaign, “Pandemic, Drought, Fire, Floods.”

The Council’s ability to operate into the coming year will depend on memberships and sponsorships among individuals and businesses.

Henssler is heading up the drive among individuals and families with a goal of signing up 100 members before the new year. Regular memberships are $50, with hopes of attracting some $100, $250, and even $1,000 members. There are also discounted memberships at $25 and artist memberships at $20.

Former Council Vice President Jim Hunyadi is heading up the drive for business members and supporters. The organization is looking for at least 25 businesses to sign up. Regular business memberships are $100, with higher level memberships for $250, $500 $1,000 or more.

“A vibrant arts scene in Las Vegas is good for business, Hunyadi emphasized. “The arts attract tourists and new residents to our community.”  

“Local individuals, families and businesses contribute the largest single share of our budget,” Lindeborg said. “Raising $15,000 locally will give us a chance to sponsor student art shows during the winter and begin planning for summer programs.

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