If we had a dollar for every time we hear critics moaning the Okanagan is a cultural wasteland, we'd have enough money to fund the arts groups these people say they so desperately need.
While there's no denying the arts are a vital part of society, you can't force an unwilling public to support something it's not interested in.
If you want thriving arts groups in your city, get out there and support them. Buy tickets to performances, attend fundraisers, tell friends and family what they are missing out on. Put your money where your mouth is.
In short, use it or lose it.
News that Ballet Kelowna will close its doors forever this spring is a sad blow to Kelowna's cultural community. The troupe has been praised for its professionalism and the quality of its performances.
Unfortunately, after 10 years, it simply wasn't able to put enough behinds in the seats or secure enough funding to continue operating.
Kelowna may be a growing city, but it's not yet reached the critical mass of Canada's largest metropolitan centres to be able to support multiple professional arts groups.
That day will come, but it doesn't appear we're quite there yet.
Having said that, the ballet did leave the door open for a miracle.
If enough people fill the theatre for its final shows, perhaps that might encourage the city or other donors to come forward and keep it alive.
- Managing Editor
Jon Manchester