Hearing Dr. Stanley Hamilton (BC Arts Council Interim Chair) on the Early Edition this morning, who could possibly be surprised by his position. Surely, the Ministry was not likely to appoint someone who would support Jane Danzo’s stance on government interference with Arts Council policies.

Just a couple of quotes:
Jane Danzo: “The board of Council has no independent voice from government.”

Stanley Hamilton (re the Legacy and Spirit Festival funds): “We have to wait to see what the Minister and his team have decided is [sic] going to be the ground rules.”

And: “{BC Arts Council} staff will work with the Ministry to determine programs.”

Doesn’t sound very arms-length to me.

When asked if Spirit Festival projects would have to meet with government approval, Dr. Hamilton replied: “You will be subjected to a peer review process, not a political process.” He failed to mention, however, that every grant application must meet certain guidelines as set out by the Arts Council. Don’t try to kid me into believing that the guidelines will not be overseen by the Ministry.

‘Nuff said.