PAA Memberships’ Increase

The Board of Directors wishes to inform you of an increase, effective immediately, in fees of $5 for memberships for 2020. Take note that members who have paid their fee prior to this change will not be required to pay the additional $5. This modest adjustment, our first in many years, will keep membership in the Pontiac Artists’ Association affordable, even as we improve services to members with features such as high-speed internet at the Stone School, a new website, members’ art sales at the Gallery, improved facilities, a higher level of insurance coverage, new activities like Open Studio, and effective partnerships with funding organizations like the MRC Pontiac, Culture Outaouais, and Canada Summer Jobs.

At $25 per year, the cost of membership in the PAA will still be significantly lower than membership in most artists’ associations in West Quebec and Eastern Ontario.

The reasons for the increase are compelling. The costs of administering our association of almost 100 members, with its annual budget that regularly surpasses $40,000, continue to grow. That includes banking and accounting fees, insurance, postage, office costs, as well as rent payments and heating costs for the Stone School (which have increased by over 60% since 2017).

In order to provide the services and facilities that our members rely on, while continuing to grow and excel, we are taking a number of steps to grow our revenue. We are working with donors and sponsors to demonstrate the value of their financial support. We are finding new clients to rent our building for special events. And we are achieving new high levels in funding through grant applications, while we continue to offer reasonable commissions on art sales.

The Board of Directors is grateful to be able to rely on your support. We are confident that our community of artists and friends of the arts will ensure that the PAA will continue to be the champion of arts and culture in the Pontiac and a great resource for its members.