The Steinbach Arts Council members voted in Michelle Hillyard as their new board chair Thursday evening. 

The SAC Annual General Meeting was held at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre with a free barbecue beforehand.

Following two years at the helm, Audrey Barkman Hill announced she would be stepping down as chair of the board. She notes it was an amazing experience. 

“I have loved it, I really did. It is always changing around here, there is always something happening.” Barkman Hill adds “Whether it is visual arts, or it is the music or the productions or it is just people meeting and talking on the site, it has been very good.” 

Barkman Hill notes she has a great deal of confidence in Michelle Hillyard. 

“Michelle is just such a strong participant on the board. She is so organized and committed and we're going to love having her as chair.” 

Despite stepping down as chair, Barkman Hill will remain on the board for at least one more year. 

Hillyard has only been on the board for one year, however, she notes “I have been involved in the arts community within Steinbach previously with dance at the SEMF festival.” 

She notes she has big shoes to fill but is excited to get going.  

During her presentation at the AGM, Outgoing Chair Barkman Hill says they spent a good portion of the last year overhauling their policies and bylaws that had been in place since the 1980’s. 

“In 1980, the Arts Council was mostly offering a concert series and now we do so much more. We have the classes, we have the community coming in and out of these doors, we have the concert series, we have a lot of visual arts programs, and we have the school of music. We do many more things and we needed to bring that into our bylaws.” 

In the financial report, it was revealed that there was a $190,000 deficit this past year. Though this may seem alarming, it was covered with money from past surpluses and isn't expected to be an issue moving forward.

Executive Director David Klassen says "There are two primary reasons why we see a deficit. We had lower than anticipated enrollment which we know will rebound, and we made some significant changes in accounting practices which caused some additional deferrals for this year.  Our cash flow remains very good, our community support remains strong, and we expect that the bottom line will be much better next year."

Hillyard says these big moves solidify the Steinbach Arts Council’s foundation allowing for further growth. 

“Everything is ready to go and we don't have to even think about those things anymore so we have got the solid foundation down and then we can start concentrating on the really fun things like the concert series and really just having to talk about the course that we offer here and the classes that we give.” 

Speaking of, David Klassen says, looking forward, they are planning for a full return to normal. 

“The year ahead looks amazing. I see enthusiasm, I see energy and excitement within the public. The groups are coming back, the people are coming back, the season ticket holders are coming back, so we are really excited about that.” 

Klassen adds “the concert season is in swing and we are looking forward to a return to normal with our concert season, a return to normal in our class offerings, corporate giving is already in full swing and the generosity continues for us." 

Finally, Klassen took time to thank Cindi Rempel Patrick, former Director of Development and Chief Creative Officer, for all of the amazing work she put in over the years and for the strong foundation she built for the organization. 

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