Help Us Secure Sustainable Funding

Dear TOSH Members & Supporters,

We hope this message finds you well—and as inspired as we are by the vibrant creativity flowing through The Old School House Arts Centre.

We’re writing today to ask for your support in a time-sensitive and important advocacy campaign to secure stable municipal funding for TOSH — and to help us close the gap that continues to threaten our operations.

Why We Need Operational Funding

The effects of COVID-19 on arts organizations like TOSH were deep and long-lasting—though often invisible to the public.

When the pandemic hit, we were not part of the major granting cycles and, as a result, received no emergency funding. While others stabilized through relief programs, we had to rely almost entirely on limited reserves just to stay open.

Since then, we've had to scale back programming and stretch every dollar to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, we’ve continued to serve the community with exhibitions, classes, and events—but we’re doing it with fewer resources and greater pressure than ever before.

It’s time for long-term support to ensure TOSH can thrive, not just survive.

We’re Asking for a Partnership—Not a Donation

That’s why we’ve approached the Town to partner with us in funding an essential community service like TOSH.

TOSH is:

  • A cultural anchor that brings people downtown and supports local businesses

  • A year-round tourism destination

  • A provider of meaningful programs that connect people of all ages

We’re not asking for charity—we’re asking for recognition and support of the value we deliver every day.

For context, other cultural institutions in Qualicum Beach receive hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in public funding. It’s time for the Town to extend the same formal recognition and financial support to TOSH—an asset they have long acknowledged as valuable to the community.

 
 

Here's What’s been done so far:

We want to keep you informed about the ongoing efforts that have been made to secure municipal support for TOSH.

Since 2023, we have consistently requested to be considered under a fee-for-service agreement, recognizing the essential public services TOSH provides—visitor services, community space, and a hub for creative dialogue.

  • November 2024 – Submitted a detailed proposal to Town Council requesting inclusion in the 2025 municipal budget. The request was well-received but deferred to the 2026 budget cycle.

  • December 4, 2024 – Received formal acknowledgment from the Town that TOSH’s mission aligns with the Official Community Plan. We were invited to resubmit during Fall 2025 strategic planning.

  • December 11, 2024 – At a Special Council Meeting, the following resolution was passed:

    "THAT staff bring forward a detailed report for Council consideration in Strategic Planning in the Fall of 2025 on the lease agreement and fee-for-service proposal from The Old School House (TOSH) Society."

  • Early 2025 – Submitted a follow-up letter highlighting the ongoing lack of municipal funding and requesting support for 2025.

  • May 14, 2025 – Presented a mid-year funding request to Town Council.

  • Outcome – While our presentation was heard, the request was declined and deferred again to Fall 2025. Under current policy, mid-year requests are typically referred to strategic planning and not eligible for immediate support.

We are now preparing our third formal presentation, to be delivered during Fall 2025 strategic planning—for potential inclusion in the 2026 municipal budget.

Despite our consistent advocacy and clear public value, financial support continues to be delayed.

TOSH received a 91% satisfaction rating in the Town’s most recent Quality of Life Survey—placing us just behind the Farmers Market and Museum, and ahead of many publicly funded organizations.

To provide more context, we’ve included a funding comparison slides below. That outlines municipal support for similar arts and culture organizations across the region and highlights funding trends specific to Qualicum Beach. These numbers clearly illustrate the funding gap and emphasize the need for more equitable investment in TOSH.


Why it Matters:

Our message to Council is clear:
TOSH is more than an arts centre. For 37 years, it has been a cultural cornerstone, a vibrant gathering place, and an essential part of Qualicum Beach’s identity. In 2024 alone:

  • We welcomed over 135,000 visitors in person and online

  • We facilitated over $50,000 in local art sales

  • We received $44,000 in direct community support from members and local businesses

Despite this track record, our core operations remain under strain. With just 1.5 full-time equivalent staff and no operating funding from any level of government, we are asking for modest support to sustain our programming and services—support that will help secure a sustainable future for this 37-year-old institution.


What Do Other Towns Do?

Most towns our size fund their local arts centres. We’ve attached our presentation and supporting material here to show how TOSH stacks up—and where Qualicum Beach is falling behind.

📽️ Watch Our Council Presentation »
📊 View Our Full Slide Deck »
📰 Read the PQB News Article »

To further illustrate the disparity, we’ve included a funding comparison slide below. It highlights municipal support for similar arts organizations in town and underscores the current funding gap facing TOSH.


WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

1. SIGN THE PETITION

Show Town Council that our community values TOSH and wants stable arts funding.

SIGN HERE

2. SEND A QUICK LETTER OF SUPPORT

Use our form to send an email directly to the town


EMAIL HERE

 

SEND YOUR OWN LETTER OF SUPPORT

Use our simple template or write your own.

Personal stories matter!

Email: mayorandcouncil@qualicumbeach.com

Download a Letter Template

SIGN IN PERSON

You can sign the petition at TOSH during open hours, or visit us at our Petition Station located at the front entrance.

We’ll also be at the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market throughout the summer—stop by, say hello, and add your name in support of local arts funding.


Together, Let’s Act

"We’ve seen what happens when communities invest in places like TOSH. Health improves. Belonging deepens. Local economies grow stronger. The question isn’t whether the arts matter. It’s whether we’re ready to act like they do."

For 37 years, TOSH has brought art, music, education, and connection to our town.

Now is the moment to ensure it thrives for generations to come. Let’s move beyond symbolic support and into meaningful partnership.

With gratitude,
The Board & Staff at TOSH
Illana Hester, Liz Parsons, John Poyser, Anna-Lea Dieringer,Linda Dietsche, Mischa Oak, Peggie Terry, Christine Pagan