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FROM THE PRESS

On April 25, 2012, in Art and Culture Funding , BC Arts Council , British Columbias Legislative Assembly , Ida Chong , Spencer Chandra Herbert , Uncategorized , Victoria , by Tom Durrie

Here are links to two articles about Ida Chong’s mysterious gifts. We have to admit being totally puzzled by her statement about “anticipation of future requests.”

Arts funding awarded without formal requests
Victoria Times Colonist

“It was very nice of them to provide that money and we’re going to put together some legacy projects.” While there were more requests made for funding than money available, Ida Chong , Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, …

Mission receives $75000 from province for 120th anniversary
Mission City Record

“The funds arrived in the form of a letter dated March 13 from the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Ida Chong , congratulating Mission on its 120th anniversary and stipulating celebration details be provided by May 16.

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WHAT ABOUT THAT $3 MILLION?

On March 2, 2012, in Art and Culture Funding , BC Arts Council , BC MLA , British Columbias Legislative Assembly , Ida Chong , Ministry of Community , Spencer Chandra Herbert , by Tom Durrie

We have received the following e-mail from NDP Arts and Culture Critic about an exchange with the Honorable Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development, regarding a$3 million “residue” in her ministry and how it is to be allocated.

Dear Friends of BC’s Creative Sector,

I wanted to share with you questions that I raised with Arts Minister Ida Chong during yesterday’s sitting of the house. I raised questions about support for the film and television industry, BC Arts Council and dedicated arts funding from the provincial budget. Scroll down to read more or you can watch our exchange online here

http://spencerherbertmla.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=11073062ad037597beccee62e&id=7469ea8d87&e=93f455310b

[While we do recommend watching, or at least listening to, this video, we expect you will find the exchange somewhat mindnumbing, though ultimately interesting, especially when it gets around to the $3 million.--AABC]

I was surprised to learn that Minister Chong has been sitting on approximately $3 million dollars in unallocated arts and culture funding that has yet to dispersed. I questioned the Minister and it was revealed that her Ministry has only 30 days to spend these funds and furthermore that there is no official application process in place for arts groups to access these funds. Here is one of the questions that I raised:

S. Chandra Herbert: I think that people in the arts and culture industry will be interested, and surprised to a large extent, that the minister herself has approximately $3 million to allocate as she sees fit. Certainly, I am surprised. I think the minister has spoken about applications. Well, was there an open call? Is it just whoever knows? How does this happen?

Once she has allocated the dollars, will she be releasing what the applications consisted of, so that people can see that it was done in a fair and transparent manner? Will she release what advice she had, so that she can be sure that it was broad-based and regionally supported, so that people see that she is using taxpayers’ dollars in a wise manner? As the minister will know, the B.C. Arts Council operates through a pure jury process — in a sense, to try and take away the concern that people might play favourites, that political considerations might come into how funds are allocated.

For this upcoming year will the minister be making any open call to the public to say that she has $3 million to spend for arts and culture groups?

I am extremely concerned that this $3 million dollars could be used as a political slush fund by a party that is not faring well in public opinion polls, and could use these funds to shore up support.

I am writing to share this information with you and also to encourage you to contact Minister Chong.

What do you think about her decision to not distribute $3 million in arts funding at a time in which arts are companies are struggling following the deepest cuts to arts and culture in BC? What do you think about the fact that her Ministry has control over $3 million in funds, with no accountability from the community about how it would best be spent?

I encourage you to write Minister Chong – [email protected] or contact her via Twitter twitter.com/#!/Ida_Chong >   and let her know your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA
Vancouver-West End
Official Opposition Critic for Arts and Culture

For the full letter:

http://gallery.mailchimp.com/11073062ad037597beccee62e/images/Letter_footer.jpg

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AABC Joins with Alliance to Question Leadership Hopefuls

On January 30, 2011, in Adrian Dix , Alliance for Arts and Culture , Arms length , Art and Culture Funding , BC Arts Council , Christy Clark , Dana Larsen , George Abbot , Jane Sterk , John Horgan , Liberal leadership , Mike Farnworth , Nicholas Simons , Uncategorized , Wayne McGrath , by Tom Durrie

AABC is now working with the Vancouver Alliance for Arts and Culture to pose these questions to the candidates for the leadership of each party. Check here to follow our progress.

Here they are:
(The asterisk indicates that answers will be found below.)

LIBERAL
George Abbott*
Christy Clark*
Mike de Jong
Kevin Falcon* 		NDP
Adrian Dix*
Mike Farnworth*
John Horgan*
Dana Larsen*
Nicholas Simons*
GREEN PARTY
Jane Sterk, leader* 		BC CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Wayne McGrath, president*
BC FIRST PARTY
Blake MacKenzie

We’ll be posting their answers here as we receive them.

FROM GEORGE ABBOTT, LIBERAL LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE AND MLA FOR SHUSWAP

Dear Amir Ali Alibhai, Executive Director:

Thank you for your letter and the opportunity to respond. Here are my answers to your questions:

1.  Yes. As I committed in my news release of December 3, 2010 , I would restore both funding for the arts through gaming grants and through the BC Arts Council to 2008-09 levels. I would also restore the eligibility criteria for direct access grants so that adult arts and culture activities would once again be eligible. Finally, I would undertake a review of the BC Arts Council to help restore its independence as an advocate on behalf of the arts in this province.

2.     It is important to recognize that while a portion of gaming revenue is returned to charities on an annual basis, gaming revenue is also an essential revenue stream to fund health, education and other social programs for our citizens. While I remain a proponent of boosting gaming grants in key areas like the arts as I have announced, I do not believe that in our current deficit situation that it will be realistic to provide the level of overall gaming grant funding that would be required to meet the standard laid out in the 1999 MOA. However, I do hope that as our fiscal situation improves we will be able to direct more resources to charities through gaming or other means to move ourselves closer towards the spirit of the MOA.

3.     I believe that stable funding is necessary for the sector to thrive; however, I do not believe that our arts funding approach should be solely be judged by per-capita funding. Rather, I believe we have to approach this question from the position of outcomes — what is the quality of arts experience in our communities and economic contribution from our arts sector that we are trying to achieve, and how can we use the resources we have to get there? As Premier, that is a discussion I am willing to have with the community. With the commitment to returning to 2008-09 levels and new programs such as the $60-million Arts Legacy Fund, the arts sector will see a significant boost in the coming years. Through our budget process, we will keep examining opportunities to support those outcomes and objectives as our fiscal situation improves.

4.     I would be very interested in an ongoing process between my government and the arts community to develop a sustainable vision for arts in the province and examine new ways to address ongoing needs for resources. As a province, it is our obligation to balance the fiscal needs of the arts community with the fiscal needs of the myriad of other programs supported by government. If we are going to advance arts in this province and still respect the need to achieve that balance, we must build that vision openly and collaboratively.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to respond, and I wish you and your organization all the best in the coming year.

Regards,

George Abbott

BC Liberal Leadership Candidate and MLA for Shuswap

FROM KEVIN FALCON, LIBERAL LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE AND MLA FOR SURREY-CLOVERDALE
Mr. Falcon has now replied twice with the following:

Thank you for your email regarding the importance of arts and culture in B.C. Unfortunately, leadership campaigns are substantially different than full elections, and we do not have the resources to respond to questionnaires. However, we are looking at all corresondence submitted to us and will endeavour to answer as many as time permits during the campaign. Best regards,  Corrie


FROM CHRISTY CLARK, LIBERAL LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE

1.
Q. Would you restore arts funding to the 2008/09 levels?
A. As a strong believer in the work done by the select standing committees, I support their recommendations and would return to the 2008/09 funding
levels.

2.
Q. Will you honour the 1999 agreement to allocate 33.3 percent of gaming revenues to non-profits, or agree to re-negotiate that agreement in good faith?
A. These are difficult economic times and I want to make sure that we maintain our fiscal discipline. At the same time, groups who count on gaming grants
as a source of revenue need some assurance, which is why I will ask a retired judge to chair a review of the way gaming grants are allocated to all groups in the province to ensure there is a stable and sustainable funding formula.
The arts community will have a voice at the table during the review of gaming grants as we all work to create a funding system that works for government and the groups that count on the funding.

3.
Q. Would you take measurable steps during their first mandate to raise BC’s per capita funding of the arts to at least the national average?
A. As a supporter of the arts, I know the contribution the sector makes. I want to consult with stakeholders to review the issue of funding the arts. It’s important to ensure that we are using measures that are comparable from province to province.

4.
Q. Would you engage in an arts community driven consultation to create a cultural development and arts funding policy for BC?
A. Yes. I believe the arts and culture community is important to the social and economic health of the province. It is time to put an end to the yo-yo effect on funding and realize the positive impact of arts and culture in British Columbia, from our youngest resident to the oldest.

FROM NICHOLAS SIMONS, NDP LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE AND MLA FOR POWELL RIVER AND THE SUNSHINE COAST

Dear Advocates for the Arts:

There is overwhelming evidence to support stable, long-term funding for the Arts both for economic reasons as well as to promote community health. The Arts are not a luxury or a frill; they enrich our communities, promote social well-being, and strengthen our economies.  I say “yes” to the four policy requests of the Alliance.

British Columbia has the lowest per capita funding for the Arts in all of Canada. According to the government’s own report, for every $1.00 invested, there is a $1.36 return. Simons says that benefits of the Arts go far beyond their economic value, adding that decisions about the Arts should always involve real consultation with the Arts community.

  1. The BC Arts Council should be independent of Government and receive stable funding.
  2. Per capita Arts funding should be raised to, at minimum, the national Canadian average.
  3. Expand access to community Gaming Grants in accordance with the commitment government made when it expanded gambling, and permit multi-year funding to charities and non-profits.
  4. Promote maximum access to, and participation in the arts.

I graduated from a Fine Arts high school (FACE), and have played and taught cello for over 25 years. I have performed and recorded with numerous musical groups and orchestras and hold one Gold Record. My late father, Jan Simons (baritone), was a professor of voice and co-founder of CAMMAC, a non-profit organization founded in 1959 dedicated to promoting participation in musical endeavors and the enjoyment of music.

“I’m slightly troubled by the fact that so often the arts are relegated to a secondary or tertiary role in our societies when, in fact, they really form the cornerstone of our cultures.”
–Nicholas Simons, Inaugural Speech, Legislative Assembly, September 19, 2005

Please feel free to visit my website at www.nicholassimons2011.ca , or visit me on facebook or follow me on Twitter @nicholassimons.

Thank you for the questions.

Harmoniousy,

Nicholas

FROM MIKE FARNWORTH,  NDP LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE AND MLA FOR PORT COQUITLAM

Amir Ali Alibhai
Executive Director
Alliance for Arts and Culture

Wednesday February 9, 2011

Sent by email to: [email protected]

Dear Mr. Alibhai,

Thank you very much for your letter regarding arts funding.

Let me say quite simply that I am in complete agreement with you that British Columbia must reinvest in the arts, and that it’s necessary to do so not just for the cultural health of our province, but also for the many and varied social and economic benefits provided by a thriving arts and cultural community.

It is an embarrassment in my view that, after ten years of Liberal neglect, BC stands last in it’s level of public investment in grants for arts organizations.

In answer to your specific questions, I say:

1. Will you restore arts funding to the 2008/09 levels?

Yes, it is critical that this funding be restored. One of the things that is so problematic about these cutbacks is the way in which they impacted especially smaller and artist–‐run organizations. These groups are vital not just to allow diversity in expression, but also and often to provide needed cultural outlets for smaller populations, and especially those in rural and remote areas. People across British Columbia and from all backgrounds deserve access to arts and culture, and that is one of the reasons stable funding is so important.

2. Will you honour the 1999 agreement to allocate 33.3 percent of gaming revenues to non–‐profits, or agree to re–‐negotiate that agreement in good faith?

I actually signed the original Memo of Agreement on behalf of the BC Government as Minister of Employment and Investment, so my answer is yes.

3. Will you take measurable steps during their first mandate to raise BC’s per capita funding of the arts to at least the national average?

Yes, taking steps towards meeting the national average would be a priority for the first term of a Mike Farnworth government.

4. Will you engage in an arts community driven consultation to create a cultural development and arts funding policy for BC?

Yes. One of the core values of my campaign is a belief that government must understand that the answers to the challenges facing British Columbia don’t all lie in Victoria. I believe we must reach out, and that innovative solutions to our problems will be found and in some cases already exist in the communities that are most affected by those problems.

Not only will I commit to a consultation driven by the arts community, but I will also ensure that the arts community has a seat at the table of my commission on education in the 21st Century. Arts and culture should not be an after thought for society, but should be embedded into how and what our students are learning, as well as presented in the school system as viable avenues for employment.

I hope you find these answers satisfactory, and I look forward to a continuing dialogue on these important issues.

Sincerely,

Mike Farnworth

FROM DANA LARSEN, NDP LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE

By telephone:

1. Will you restore arts funding to the 2008/09 levels?
Yes. As a start.

2. Will you honour the 1999 agreement to allocate 33.3 percent of gaming revenues to non-profits, or agree to re-negotiate that agreement in good faith?
Yes. And I would work to re-negotiate the agreement. I am not in favour of expansion of gambling.

3. Will you take measurable steps during their first mandate to raise BC’s per capita funding of the arts to at least the national average?
Yes, though I want to look at the figures before I decide just where BC should be placed. Being at the bottom of the list is not acceptable.

4. Will you engage in an arts community driven consultation to create a cultural development and arts funding policy for BC?
Yes, and definitely in consultation with those who are affected by funding policies. This is only fair.

FROM JANE STERK, LEADER, GREEN PARTY OF BC

Green Party of BC
PO Box 8088, STN Central
Victoria, BC V8W 3R7

Toll free: 1-888-473-3686
In Victoria: 250-590-4537

February 9, 2011

Tom Durrie, executive director
Arts Advocacy British Columbia

Amir Ali Alibhai
Executive Director
Alliance for Arts and Culture

Dear Tom and Amir,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your request. We hoped to discuss these four questions at our Provincial Council on January 29 and 30. Unfortunately, we were unable to consider your request and it has been referred to our research and policy team for comprehensive discussion.

I am answering to the extent possible without that review being complete. I have also elected not to answer with a simple Yes or No as requested because I believe the issues are too complex for such an approach. I am answering the questions in reverse because that seems the more logical order.

4. Will you engage in an arts community driven consultation to create a cultural development and arts funding policy for BC?

Yes. This seems to be the best starting place to ensure we get to a common understanding of the value that arts and culture play in BC society and communities and from there determine a strategy for development of arts and culture in BC and a funding policy that is sufficient to achieve the goals that are identified.

3. Will you take measurable steps during their first mandate to raise BC’s per capita funding of the arts to at least the national average?

Yes. I expect this would be part of the plan developed out of the process identified in 4 above. At a minimum, BC should ensure per capita funding for the arts at the national average.

2. Will you honour the 1999 agreement to allocate 33.3 percent of gaming revenues to non-profits, or agree to re-negotiate that agreement in good faith?

A qualified yes to the first part of the question and an unqualified yes to the second. In principle, we support the agreement to allocate 33.3 percent of gambling revenues to the arts, charities and non-profits. However, the provincial government has become reliant on the gambling money that has been clawed back and which it now puts into general revenue. Therefore, adequate funding for the arts from gambling revenue would have to be looked at within the context of budgetary realities. In addition, the Green Party of BC believes we must wean ourselves off gambling revenue. Once successful at doing so, arts funding would decrease and the problem of inadequate funding would continue. In terms of re-negotiating the agreement, the re-negotiation should be done in good faith and it should result in predictable, long term funding for the arts and non-profits.

1. Will you restore arts funding to the 2008/09 levels?

While I would like to commit to this, the Green Party of BC is not yet represented in the legislature. Only the answer from the party in power is relevant. If the other three questions are satisfactorily addressed, this one would become moot.

Sincerely,

Jane Sterk, Leader
Green Party of BC

FROM WAYNE MCGRATH, PRESIDENT, BC CONSERVATIVE PARTY

Hello Tom,

I must apologize for not responding to your earlier emails.

As you may be aware, the BC Conservative Party will be holding a Leadership Convention on May 28 in Surrey.  Nominations for Leader will be received from March 1 until March 29.  Further, our Policy document is currently under review and will be adopted by our membership at a Special General Meeting probably to be held in conjunction with the May 28 Convention.

Therefore, it would not be appropriate for the Party to respond at this time.  During the Leadership race, all of our candidates would be able to respond with their views.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to respond to your questions.

Wayne McGrath, President

BC Conservative Party

FROM JOHN HORGAN, NDP LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE AND MLA FOR JUAN DE FUCA

We met with John Horgan on February 10th and discussed the arts funding and the Alliance questions. This is our report:

1. Mr. Horgan agrees with question number one that arts funding should be restored, as a start, to 2008-2009 levels. He sat on the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and heard the many presentations from arts groups around the province.

2. He firmly believes that the 1999 agreement should be renegotiated. This especially in light of the fact that revenues from gambling have increased substantially since 1999.

3. Regarding BC’s standing with per capita funding for arts and culture at the very bottom, he believes that BC should rank according to its population in relation to other provinces. That would put it at about third, just below Ontario and Quebec.

4. John Horgan is a strong believer in arms length funding through the BC Arts Council. He also would engage with the arts community to develop a culture policy for the province. He wants the arts community to know that they would have an ally in his leadership.


FROM ADRIAN DIX, NDP LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE AND MLA FOR VANCOUVER-KINGSWAY

1. Follow the unanimous recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services’ to immediately return “to overall actual funding levels of 2008/09 to encourage an independent and creative cultural sector” and restore previous eligibility and access criteria?

Answer:   Yes. This would be a good interim measure. The government’s cutbacks damaged BC arts organizations in every part of BC. This hurt in particular artistic expression and diversity, particularly in rural and remote communities.

The BC Liberal government cut arts and culture funding at a time when they cut taxes for the banks. Given that arts funding creates jobs and is critical for community building, this is counter-productive. Ironically, since this action was taken, there has been a net loss of jobs in the banking sector, while arts organizations have paid the price. It is time to give the independent and creative cultural sector the priority it deserves.

2. Honour the provincial government’s 1999 Memorandum of Agreement with the BC Association for Charitable Gaming to allocate 33.3 percent of net gaming revenues to charities and non-profits, or renegotiate that agreement in good faith?

Answer: I supported the 1999 Memorandum of Agreement and believe it serves as a good model.

I have met with arts organizations and many other groups to discuss this issue in the past few weeks. For example, Theatre North West representatives recently described to me the direct impact of funding cuts and instability on their organization, based in Prince George. While in Prince George, I put the pressure on the BC Liberals to cuts in gaming grants instituted since 2008.

Given the very significant changes that have occurred with gaming policy, the overall provincial budget and other policies related to the non-profit sector, I believe that negotiating a new memorandum of agreement would be the best approach. We should sit down together and develop an agreement that works for everyone. This would include three-year funding agreements for organizations that ensure stability .

Charities and non-profit organizations have been let down by this government. Working together, we can do better.

3. Take meaningful and measurable steps, in your first mandate, towards raising BC’s per-capita funding of the arts, cultural and heritage sector to at least the national average?

Answer: Yes, I recognize the importance of the arts and cultural sectors in our communities and in our economy. We should move per-c apita funding to the national average in the first term of an NDP government.

4. Engage in an arts community driven consultative process with the goal of developing a coherent and sustainable cultural development and arts funding policy for the province of British Columbia?

Answer: Yes. I appreciate the need for stability and predictability after this period of policy uncertainty and financial cutbacks. BC needs a long term strategy for arts and culture that is based on the fact that we all gain from strong and growing cultural communities and industries .

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WHAT WILL YOUR MLA SAY ABOUT ARTS FUNDING

On November 26, 2010, in Art and Culture Funding , Arts Advocacy , BC Arts Council , BC MLA , British Columbias Legislative Assembly , Bruce Ralston , Claire Trevena , Dawn Black , Gambling , Gaming Revenue , Gordon Campbell , Iain Black , Jagrup Brar , Joan McIntyre , Kathy Corrigan , Leonard Krog , Mable Elmore , Randy Hawes , Rich Coleman , Rob Fleming , Shane Simpson , Solicitor General , Spencer Chandra Herbert , Sport and Cultural Development , Stanley Hamilton , Stephanie Cadieux , Sue Hammell , Vicki Huntington , by Tom Durrie

Who will answer?

On the 18th of November AABC sent a letter to each MLA in British Columbia. Yes, all 84 of them! See them here .

The letter posed the following two questions:

RE: Arts and culture funding in British Columbia

1. Are you satisfied with our standing in comparison with other provinces? If not, how would you like to see this changed?

2. What portion, if any, of gaming revenue do you think should go to charities?

To see the complete letter and accompanying background information, go to Questions for MLAs . You can find your MLA and ask them to reply to the questions from AABC.

UPDATE: On January 6th and 7th, we sent an email to each MLA that we had not heard from. All the replies will be posted below in alphabetical order. See what your MLA has to say on this issue.

Dawn Black, NDP, New Westminster

Hello Mr. Durrie,

Thank you for your letter re arts funding in BC.  This is a very important issue and my colleagues and I in the Official Opposition Caucus have been very concerned about the detrimental actions taken by the current provincial government.

Spencer Chandra Herbert, our spokesperson for arts and culture, responded to your questionnaire in early December and I am copying his letter below which summarizes our stand on this question.

Best wishes to all those involved in Arts Advocacy BC.  Your work in the community is worthwhile and appreciated!

Regards,

Dawn Black

Dawn Black, MLA (New Westminster)
Opposition Critic for Advanced Education
and Labour Market Development.
737 6th Street,
New Westminster, BC  V3L 3C6

Phone: 604-775-2101
Fax: 604-775-2121
[email protected]
www.dawnblack.ca

Iain J.S. Black, Liberal, Port Moody-Coquitlam

Dear Mr. Durrie,

A response is in the process from Minister Black’s staff in Victoria.

Linda Kingsbury
Constituency Assistant

Hon. Iain JS Black, MLA Port Moody-Coquitlam
#203 – 130 Brew Street
Port Moody, B.C.
V3H 0E3
Tel:  604-949-1226
Fax: 604-949-1281

Jagrup Brar, NDP, Surrey-Fleetwood

Dear Mr. Durrie,

I really appreciate that you have taken the time to write to my office regarding the arts funding. I apologize for the delay in responding to you as I had been away out of the country.

Our Official Opposition Critic for Arts and Culture, Spencer Chandra Herbert will be responding to your questions on behalf of our caucus. However, I would like to reassure you that the Official Opposition has been very active and very vocal opposing the cuts to arts investments.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write to me and I will continue to work with my colleagues to support BC’s Art and Culture Sector.

Regards,
Jagrup
Jagrup Brar, MLA
Surrey Fleetwood

Hon. Stephanie Cadieux, Liberal, Surrey-Panorama
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

January 19, 2011

Mr. Tom Durrie
Arts Advocacy British Columbia
307—1683 Adanac Street
Vancouver, BC  V5L 2C7

Dear Mr. Durrie

Thank you for your recent letters regarding arts and culture funding in British Columbia.  As Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, I am pleased to respond on behalf of the Province of British Columbia (Province).

As you note in your letters, the Province has made a decision to provide the British Columbia Arts Council (Council) with $7 million in additional funding through the 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy (Legacy).  The funds are helping to achieve the Council’s strategic goals and priorities including providing support for operating clients, innovation, commissioning, capacity building, sustainability and professional work experience.

I am proud of the Province’s track record.  We have provided unprecedented support to the arts and cultural community in the province, totaling more than $500 million since 2001.  This includes direct funding to artists and groups as well as long-term support for the arts through major endowment funds, continued funding to major institutions such as the Royal British Columbia Museum and funding for several significant arts and culture projects including the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, the 2009 Juno Awards and the 2009 Canadian Country Music Awards.

My cabinet colleagues and I recognize the critically important role that arts and culture play in the lives of British Columbians and we are committed to the long-term health of the arts and culture sector.  We continue to make the arts a priority and invest in the creative sector. Even in the midst of a recession, the Province is providing over $30 million directly to artists and art organizations in 2010/11, including:

Ÿ $10 million a year over three years to enhance opportunities in the arts through the new Legacy;
Ÿ Over $16 million in grants funding through the Council, ($7 million of which is  coming from the Legacy);
Ÿ $1.5 million in interest earned on the $170 million BC Arts and Culture Endowment  fund;  and
Ÿ $11.5 million in gaming grants to arts and culture groups for youth, fairs, festivals,  museums, and groups with three-year gaming grant commitments throughout  British Columbia.

My cabinet colleagues and I strongly endorse the Council’s independence, and believe that its arm’s length relationship is critical to the fulfillment of its mandate as it is well positioned to adjudicate questions of artistic excellence.  No one would question the Council’s record when it comes to this critical issue.  The Council also plays a critical role in informing art policy and decisions the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development make on behalf of the arts community.  The Council, particularly Board Chair Stan Hamilton, played a vital role in putting together the plan that led to allocation of the Legacy funds.

I believe through our support of programs such as the 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy, which honours the cultural legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and with guidance and strategic direction provided by organizations such as the BC Arts Council, the Province has made an important impact on the arts in British Columbia.

I look forward to working with artists, arts organizations, members of the creative sector and the public at large to ensure that the arts and culture community in the province continues to thrive and flourish.

With regard to gaming grants, this fiscal year the Province committed $120 million for community gaming grants, up from $113 million last year.  This funding will go to approximately 6,000 community organizations that assist public safety, youth and disabled sports, people in need, fairs, festivals and museums, community services such as preschools, and Parent Advisory Councils.  Almost $79 million has been allocated to date.

In order to ensure these core priorities continue to receive support, grants for adult arts events and programs will not be available in 2010/11, unless the organization previously received a multi-year commitment.  Organizations offering arts and culture programs for youth and persons with a disability may be eligible for grants supporting those programs.

It should be noted that funding to arts and culture organizations are also made through a variety of other avenues including local governments who use their gaming revenues to fund the arts at the community level.  Other provinces have different funding models and I am not in a position to comment on decisions made by other jurisdictions.

It is too early to speculate about funding levels and eligibility for communty gaming grants in future years.  Such funding decisions are determined through the annual budget planning process and are tabled as part of the provincial budget each year.

It is also important to note that over $648 million in gaming revenue was allocated for other government programs that directly benefit British Columbians, primarily health care and education. More information about how gaming revenues are distributed can be found at: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/revenue/index.htm .

The Province remains steadfast in its commitment to help build strong communities through community gaming grants and other programs.

Thank you again for writing to convey your support of this decision and for your ongoing support of the arts in this province. I look forward to further discussions when we meet in January.

Sincerely,

(signed)

Stephanie Cadieux
Minister

Gordon Campbell, Liberal, Vancouver-Point Grey

December 1, 2010

Dear Mr. Durrie:

Thank you for your letter and accompanying notes and citations relating to provincial funding for the arts in British Columbia. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this information to my attention.

Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has provided over $124 million to assist artists and arts organizations. We look forward to better days when we can be even more supportive of our lively arts and cultural sectors–not just because of their great importance to individuals and communities but to British Columbia’s overall economy as well.

I have shared a copy of your correspondence with the Minister responsible for gaming grants, the Honourable Rich Coleman and the Minister of Community Sport and Cultural Development, the Honourable Stephanie Cadieux, for their review as well. Minister Coleman will ensure that the appropriate ministry official responds directly to your specific questions at the earliest opportunity.

Again, thank you for writing.

Sincerely,
(signed)
Gordon Campbell

Spencer Chandra Herbert, NDP, Vancouver-West End

9 December 2010

Dear Tom,

Thank you for contacting me and for your ongoing advocacy for a strong arts and culture sector in our province.

I am responding to your letter both as an MLA who supports the arts and culture sector but also as the Official Opposition Critic for Arts and Culture to let you know what we in the New Democratic Opposition believe.

As you are no doubt aware, the Official Opposition has been very vocal—both in the legislature, and in the communities we represent—in support of the arts and in opposition to the current government’s devastating cuts to arts investments. I have been proud to stand with many of my caucus colleagues at rallies, forums, and roundtables, in support of arts and culture in communities all across our great province.

The arts are vital to our quality of life, our economy, and our future. The arts help us dream and see beyond the realities of the present day, and can open up real possibilities for change that would never have been achieved through other means. The arts also bring to light those things we miss in our busy days, and make us see the world in completely different ways—something that is very helpful in a society which too often can fall into black and white, or ‘with us or against us’ kind of thinking.

I know you didn’t write to hear me expound on why I love art, but I believe it’s important to share why we love art before we get to the numbers. Talking numbers just doesn’t do justice to the full importance of arts and culture in our society.

You have, however, written to ask what we believe government should do in regards to arts investment.

I am not satisfied with the current level of investment in arts and culture which has fallen drastically since the BC Liberals’ disastrous cuts beginning in 2008. But I’m also not satisfied with the level of support the government was putting towards arts and culture before the major cuts. Depending on who is ranking, one reads that B.C. ranges from last place to second or third last in terms of per capita investment in the arts.

This puts us at a competitive disadvantage nationally, and internationally, and does not create a welcoming environment for risk-taking innovation, and growth in our cultural sector. It has also led some of our great creative minds to relocate to other provinces and countries, where their skills are more sought after. This is not right, and it short-changes the huge potential we have to create a vibrant creative economy.

In the last election, New Democrats pledged to increase investments in B.C.’s cultural sector. In addition, we called for a dedicated infrastructure fund to support arts and culture facility renovation, expansion, and creation. Both are commitments that New Democrats continue to believe and fight for.

I am proud that we have stood with the many British Columbians who support arts and culture, and, together, forced the B.C. government to back down on its plan to snatch 11 million dollars of gaming funds away from charities who had written multi-year agreements for the funds.

I am proud that we stood against the B.C. Liberal government’s plans to take seven million dollars away from the B.C. Arts Council to put towards politically motivated Olympic spirit celebrations, and won that fight when the government backed down and gave the money back to the Arts Council, where it should have gone in the first place.

I am also proud that we have stood by small community charities, which have seen gaming funds either eliminated completely or cut back drastically, and called for the B.C. Liberals to restore gaming funds to their former levels. We also called on the government to involve the community if new grant categories are to be created or older ones eliminated.

New Democrats have been standing up for the arts and culture sector in this time of need. As the Critic, I have had meetings with all three of the Arts and Culture Ministers we have had in the last 18 months to make the case for the arts.

I have been travelling around B.C. to learn from and support efforts, both locally and provincially, to grow our arts and culture sector. What I have seen is that there is a real hunger in communities, large and small, for the connections and community that arts and culture bring. I have seen how much impact a small government investment can make when the community receives funding, and through volunteer efforts, fundraising, sales, and other means, creates something that will be remembered for a lifetime. The arts are who we are.

I thank you for writing me, and I look forward to continuing to work together to support B.C.’s vital arts and culture sector.

All the best,

(signed)

Spencer Chandra Herbert
Official Opposition Critic for Tourism, Culture, and the Arts
MLA, Vancouver West-End

Hon. R ich Coleman, Liberal, Fort Langley-Aldergrove, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

February 2, 2011

Mr. Tom Durrie
Executive Director
Arts Advocacy British Columbia
307—1683 Adanac Street
Vancouver, BC  V5L 2C7

Dear Mr. Durrie:

Thank you for your November 18, 2010 letter regarding arts and culture funding in British Columbia.

This fiscal year, the provincial government committed $120 million for community gaming grants, up from $113 million last year. This funding will go to approximately 6,000 community organizations that assist public safety, youth and disabled sports, people in need, fairs, festivals and museums, community services such as preschools, and Parent Advisory councils. Almost $79 million has been allocated to date.

In order to ensure these core priorities continue to receive support grants for adult arts events and programs will not be available in 2010/11, unless the organization previously received a multi-year commitment. Organizations offering arts and culture programs for youth and persons with a disability may be eligible for grants supporting those programs.

It should be noted that funding to arts and culture organizations are also made through a variety of other avenues including the British Columbia Arts Council and local governments who use their gaming revenues to fund the arts at the community level. Other provinces have different funding models and I am not in a position to comment on decisions made by other jurisdictions.

It is too early to speculate about funding levels for community gaming grants in future years. Such funding decisions are determined through the annual budget planning process and are tabled as part of the provincial budget.

It is important to note that over $648 million in gaming revenue was allocated for other government programs that directly benefit British Columbians, primarily health care and education. More information about how gaming revenues are distributed can be found at: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/index.htm .
The provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to help build strong communities through community gaming grants and other programs.

Sincerely yours,

(signed)

Rich Coleman
Solicitor General

pc:  The Honourable Gordon Campbell
The Honourable Mary Polak

Kathy Corrigan, NDP, Burnaby-Deer Lake

Thank you for contacting me about arts funding. I have had the opportunity to review the response my colleague Spencer Chandra Herbert, the New Democrat Official Opposition Critic for Tourism, Culture and the Arts sent you.  Spencer is a tireless advocate for the arts and his response very clearly articulates our caucus’ position on funding for the arts. I am proud to stand beside Spencer on this very important issue. I would therefore like you to accept Spencer’s response as my own.

Sincerely,
Kathy Corrigan

Kathy Corrigan, MLA
Burnaby-Deer Lake
l P: 604.775.2414 | F: 604.775.2550| www.kathycorrigan.ca

Mable Elmore, NDP, Vancouver-Kensington

Dear Mr. Durrie,

Thank you for your email.  Mable is out of the office now so I am responding in her behalf.

Please be assured that Mable and her colleagues in the Opposition support the arts and believe that this government can do more to strengthen this important sector.

For more details about our Caucus’ stand regarding this issue, I understand that our Opposition Critic, Spencer Herbert will be responding to your office.

Thank you again for contacting us.

Sincerely,

Maita Santiago, Constituency Assistant
Mable Elmore, MLA
Vancouver-Kensington Community Office
6106 Fraser Street
Vancouver, BC V5W 3A1
T: 604-775-1033; F: 604-775-1330
[email protected]
mableelmore.ca

Rob Fleming, NDP, Victoria-Swan Lake

Dear Tom,

Happy New Year!!!  As you know, Spencer in capacity as Official Opposition Arts critic has already responded to your letter already on behalf of our entire Caucus. It’s my understanding Spencer will be following up with you to reconfirm caucus process.

Cheers,

Rob Fleming, MLA
Victoria-Swan Lake
Official Opposition Environment critic

Sue Hammell, NDP, Surrey-Green Timbers

Hi Tom,

We forwarded your questions to Spencer Chandra Herbert our critic of arts for the BC NDP.

I believe he has sent you on December 9, 2010 the following reply:

(The letter from MLA Chandra Herbert was attached.)

Randy Hawes, Liberal, Abbotsford-Mission

As you are doubtless aware we are currently in the midst of a leadership review. Once we have a new leader we will be reviewing policy on many matters and I am sure arts funding will be one of them. I generally do not respond to blanket questionaires and they tend to create a divisive atmosphere.
I am confident you will hear much about arts funding policy over the next couple of months.
Regards
Randy Hawes

Vicki Huntington, Independent, Delta South

Dear Mr. Durrie,

I apologize for the lateness of this reply.  Our office was unusually busy in December, and this request seemed to escape my attention.

In answer to your two question:

1.       I am not satisfied with our present standing.  I believe that the original MOA (referred to in your letter), i.e. 30% of gaming revenues, is a social contract that must be honoured.

2.       I would like to see the charitable portion rise to 50%.

Again, thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,

Vicki Huntington

Vicki Huntington, MLA
Delta South Constituency Office
4805 Delta Street
Delta BC  V4K 2T7
Phone:  604-940-7924
Fax:      604-940-7927

Leonard Krog, NDP, Nanaimo

Dear Mr. Durrie,

Thank you for your letter of November 18 th and your recent email of January 6 th . Given that your letter was directed to all the MLA’s, our critic Spencer Herbert responded as official critic on behalf of the Opposition by letter of December 9 th, . The fact that you have not received my individual response does in no way reflect my commitment to the Arts and Culture sector of our province, nor diminish my belief in its incredible importance to our province and my community in particular.

I agree with everything Spencer has had to say in his letter and accept completely the advantage of a vibrant arts and cultural community in the province. So to answer your questions very specifically:

1.      I am not satisfied with our standing and would like to see our standing improved.

2.      With respect to the portion, I think 30% seems reasonable, but I am not prepared at the present time without all of the information available to me to say that should be the figure. Indeed it may be appropriate to have a higher percentage. As you are aware with all of the tax cuts given by the Liberals in the last 10 years to both individuals and corporations, governments ability at addressing that issue, to fund arts and culture, housing health, etc. has been severely limited.

3.      I have read enough history to understand how valuable it was in difficult economic times to have government support the arts and culture and what a flowering followed those minor investments. The United States under the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt is a prime example. So if it gives you any further comfort, although I am not the critic, I strongly support what Spencer is doing as our critic and indeed Doug Routley, my fellow MLA for Nanaimo when I hosted the Arts and Culture Community last fall for a meeting.

I will continue to advocate on behalf of Arts & Culture and appreciate how much work your organization continues to do.

All the best for 2011.

Leonard Krog, MLA
Nanaimo

Joan McIntyre, Liberal, West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

From: Fee, Judi [[email protected]]
Sent: November 23, 2010 3:34 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Attn: Mr. Tom Durrie

Dear Mr. Durrie:

Joan McIntyre thanks you for your letter of November 18, 2010 and asks me to reassure you that she remains an avid supporter of Arts and Culture in BC.

Regards,

Per/Judith Fee, Constituency Assistant to
Joan McIntyre, MLA
West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

Bruce Ralston, NDP, Surrey-Whalley

Tom Durrie, Executive Director
Arts Advocacy BC
307—1683 Adanac St
Vancouver, BC  V5L 2C7

January 11, 2011

Dear Mr. Durrie,

I would like to thank you for contracting my office with your concerns regarding the level of funding for the Arts in British Columbia and I apologize for my delay in responding.

The spokes person for the official opposition, MLA Spencer Chandra-Herbert, Critic for Tourism, Culture and the Arts has issued a statement that I have enclosed with this letter.

However I would like to respond to your questions as I believe the issues you highlighted are troubling.

First, I am not satisfied with our standing in comparison with other provinces. In a province such as ours with its rich and vibrant culture it is shameful that not only are we the lowest in the country in funding per capita, but that we are so far below the national average that it is a disgrace. Arts and culture enrich out lives and strengthen our communities. The Government of BC needs to reevaluate its priorities and raise arts and culture funding to reflect its importance to our communities and to our economy.

Second, there should be no question of what portion of gaming revenue should be allocated to charities. The 1999 Memorandum of Agreement between the BC Association for Charitable Gaming and the Government of BC is a valid document. Until that Memorandum of Agreement is changed funding should be maintained as agreed.

Your hard work and dedication is appreciated.

Sincerely,

(signed)

Bruce Ralston, MLA
Surrey-Whalley

Shane Simpson, NDP, Vancouver-Hastings

Hi Tom,

Our Arts Critic Spencer Chandra Herbert has responded to these questions regarding arts funding on behalf of our caucus and I’m told that he has also been in touch with you about this issue as well. I am supportive of Spencer’s points on this issue and confident that he is representing the views of the rest of our caucus on this important matter. I hope that helps. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Shane Simpson MLA Vancouver-Hastings
t: 604-775-2277 | f: 604-775-2352 | shanesimpson.ca

Claire Trevena, NDP, North Island

January 12, 2011

Tom Durrie, Executive Director
Arts Advocacy British Columbia
307—1683 Adanac Street
Vancouver, BC  V5L 2C7

Dear Mr. Durrie,

I must apologise for my slow response to your letter about my position about funding for the arts. I had left it up to my colleague Spencer Chandra Herbert to respond on behalf of our caucus.

The present government’s lack of support for the arts in BC is shocking. There is no question that there should be greater assistance.

Campbell River, the main community in the constituency I represent, is extraordinarily lucky to have a high quality art gallery, an active arts council, a theatre, an excellent museum and many people willing to dedicate themselves to the arts. These organizations struggle to keep going, but are an essential part of the fabric of our community. If we did not have the arts, our lives here, and across the province would be much poorer.

Instead of putting monies from gaming into the arts and other community organizations, the government cynically is pouring it into general revenues. A one-third contribution from gaming money to the arts seems fair and just. However it seems highly unlikely that any expansion in gambling planned by the present government will be reflected in increased money for the arts.

Fundamentally however the arts need stable funding. They do not need the constant hand to mouth existence where everyone is living in a cycle of grant applications. The arts need to be recognized as part of our society, not an extra to be only enjoyed in the good times: arts are a part of our economy as well as part of our culture.

I would be happy to talk further about any assistance I can provide, either locally or provincially.

Yours sincerely,

(signed)

Claire Trevena, MLA
North Island

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A Bright Spot for BC Arts Funding

On September 9, 2010, in Arts Advocacy , BC Arts Council , Opinion , by John McLachlan

Some good news for a change.

I administer the BC Arts Council’s Community Presenters Assistance program. It is a program to fund arts presenters who do a series in communities throughout BC.

Though the program funding was reduced, it was only reduced slightly thanks to the strong support for it within the Arts Council.

I have just sent out all the letters informing applicants of the results. Here is what Crystal Lorette said from the Lester Centre of the Performing Arts in Prince Rupert about her funding:

Thank you so much for this news, you have no idea how much this means for our programming. Things are so economically tough up here right now. It makes me so happy to be able to culturally enhance the lives of the beautiful people that live up here.

I am sending along a great big hug complete with a gigantic smile on my face

She identified ALL the reasons why arts funding is so worthwhile.

Take that Minister Krueger!

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Response to Stanley Hamilton on The Early Edition

On September 2, 2010, in Assembly of BC Arts Councils , BC Arts Council , Spirit Festivals , Stanley Hamilton , The Early Edition , by Tom Durrie

September 2, 2010

Following is the text of an email sent to The Early Edition this morning:

While I was interested in Mr. Hamilton’s comments about the $7 million of Olympics Legacy money now in the hand of the British Columbia Arts Council, I am sorry that you didn’t bring on some people who might have expressed a differing view of the Ministry’s decision. There was no mention of the recent surge of commentary, in the press and on the internet, against the Spirit Festivals. It’s inescapable to think that the Minister’s unexpected announcement might have been in response. Mr. Hamilton’s remarks also suggest that the Ministry is still calling the shots with regard to how the Arts Council will spend this money. Once again the Olympic spirit was mentioned, and it seems that the Ministry is questioning some of the Arts Council’s programs and allocations. The Arts Council board is made up of individuals from throughout the province who are chosen for their experience in and knowledge of the arts in their communities and regions, the whole idea being that the Arts Council can then determine the needs and directions for the arts throughout the province. The Ministry should not be telling them what to do.

Thank you for your coverage of arts funding issues over the past few weeks. Now let’s hear all sides.

Tom Durrie

PS  It was surprising that neither Minister Krueger nor Mr. Hamilton knew the correct name of the organization administering the $3 million Spirit Legacy fund: The Assembly of British Columbia Arts Councils.
TD

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Announcement from Minister Krueger

On September 1, 2010, in Arts Advocacy , BC Arts Council , by John McLachlan

BRAVO

Here is the press release from Minister Krueger:

BC Arts Council Receives Additional Funding (PDF)

NEW RELEASE FROM MINISTER

Sept 1, 2010

BC ARTS COUNCIL RECEIVES ADDITIONAL FUNDING

VICTORIA – The British Columbia Arts Council will administer $7 million in funding provided through the B.C. government’s 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy to support their strategic plan, Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts announced.

“I am confident in the council’s strategic plan to deliver on the legacy’s goals through its work with B.C.’s vibrant arts community,” said Krueger. “This will increase the council’s budget to just over $16 million for the current fiscal year, demonstrating our government’s commitment to a strong, creative and growing arts community, even in these difficult economic times. These monies will be distributed to the arts community through the independent peer-review adjudication process that has been established by the council.”

The government respects and values a strong independent council and is committed to ensuring this independence is maintained and enjoys the confidence of the arts community.

“In 2009, the council board established its priorities and asked staff to prepare programs to fulfil the goals of the strategic plan. The additional funding announced today means the council will be able to advance the goals set out in our strategic plan, with a large portion of these funds going towards increased support for council’s operating clients, as indicated by the minister last month,” said Stan Hamilton, interim chair of the council. The council’s board will immediately review the programs that council staff has been developing in recent months in order to ensure that the program details and the funds may be released to the community promptly.”

“Some of the programs to be implemented may include: support for the commissioning, creation, development and production of new works; artists in education; opportunities for the next generation of artists and further support for our operating clients in the spring and autumn rounds. The legacy vision is consistent with these plans,” added Hamilton.

As announced in the most recent Provincial budget, the 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy provides $60 million over three years to enhance sports, arts and cultural opportunities for all British Columbians. Of this amount, $10 million has been budgeted for culture and the arts during the current fiscal year, with $3 million allocated for the BC Spirit Festivals.

The BC Arts Council supports arts and arts organization across the province and is governed by a 15-member council, which represents the regions, cultural diversity and artistic communities of British Columbia.

For more information about the BC Arts Council and their strategic plan, please visit www.bcartscouncil.ca .

-30-

Media Contact: Gordon Keast

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts

250 356-8177

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca .

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Spirit Festival Comments

On August 30, 2010, in Arts Advocacy , BC Arts Council , Leadership , Opinion , Spirit Festivals , by John McLachlan

Last week I wrote a blog post that was picked up by the Georgia Straight where I shared my views of the Spirit Festival grant program.

Thanks to all who responded, commented (60+), Retweeted (60+) and “liked” on Facebook (700+).

Here is a sample of some of the comments people made. The positive comments far out numbered the negative comments. In fact, there was really only one negative commenter who left a few comments.

POSITIVE COMMENTS

Bravo! You’ve said what surely everyone is thinking.

Hear hear!

Thanks for speaking up. I agree with you completely.

Starting a festival just to access a grant is the same as buying a rope to hang yourself with.

Another brilliant, articulate and bang on assessment from John McLachlan.

Brilliant & great incite from the voice of experience. Thank You John.

Thank you John. You said it.

Few festivals thrive in February (other than maybe the Push Festival — which is brilliant) — but BC spirit festivals?? They’re kidding, right? They aren’t? Oh my freaking god.

Thanks you John! we don’t need spirit festivals, or retractable roofs or whatever. Its just a little too ‘art for the state’ flavoured for this jew…..

Thanks, John. Too bad we can’t draft you onto the BC Arts Council. The gagged silence from those who are supposed to be the custodians of culture in BC is deafening.

Amen, John. This is without doubt the worst example of incompetent mismanagement of the cultural sector in Canadian history. The BC Arts Council does need to take a very strong public stand now, but the real villains are Minister Krueger and Premier Campbell whose unprecedented political interference in the cultural life of this province makes us the laughingstock of the whole country. The only artistic production in this province that needs its funding cut is Liberals du Soleil.

Well said and thank you, John McLachlan. These Spirit of BC festivals grants for artistic propaganda promoting the BC so-called So-Cred-Liberal government on the backs of struggling arts organizations sound suspiciously like Leni Riefenstahl’s work for Hitler’s Germany. Let’s remember that artists like Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, George Grosz, Kurt Schwitters, Otto Dix and others left Nazi Germany. Can BC afford this kind of exodus because it’s already begun – Crystal Pite, Kika Thorne, Cheyanne Turions and others. Elaine Carol, Artistic Director, MISCELLANEOUS Productions

This has Campbell written all over it. He’s just looking for another expensive party for his rich friends and a chance to wave his fucking red mitts in the air. There’s sea of drunks on Granville street already and it’s free! Give the money BACK to the real arts.

Agreed!

BC Spirit festival? The spirit of fascism, is being celebrated, attempting to thwart the spirit of artistic creation? pulling funding from that which goes against their corporate business like ideological spirit..? thats what this is about. Cant wait for these pigs to wake up to a complete rejection by the citizens of BC. sooner than their 3 year nondate. I can say I never once darkened the door of any BORELYMPIC festival during those horrible 2 weeks.

Well said. Haven’t business types always assumed that the art community lacks acumen of any kind? Are they trickling some scraps our way to appease us? Please, we must not re-elect them.

This program is worse than those stupid Millennium grants. How many arts organizations and artists were looking for ways to celebrate the Millennium? The quintessential top-down policy.

In this case, how many arts organizations in the north want to hold festivals in February? Another fine business model from the supposedly fiscally-prudent govt.

I can’t wait for winter with hordes of people driving to Wells from the Lower Mainland and Victoria in their all-season tires

How about a Spirit of BC Rail Festival? We could set up model trains all over BC and then sell them to the highest bidder – after a few insider shenanigans!

Or a Spirit of PST Festival? Set up yard sales & kiosks and charge the good ol’ pre-HST %.

No doubt there are many Spirits lurking in the wings that would make excellent themes. Otherwise, I hope every arts group boycotts this nonsense.

These ‘Spirit Festival’ organizers should have taken a look at Calgary’s desperate attempts to keep their ‘Olympic Spirt’ on life support after the 1988 Games. There’s a reason why you’ve never heard of the Calgary Winter Festival.

It’s like the people who won’t take their Xmas decorations down until well into February – give it up and move on already.

Well said, John. Thanks for the straight talk.

We need the BC government to restore arms-length funding of culture and art, and stop bleeding real artists and cultural organizations dry!

Diverting funds from real art to a blatant propaganda event is reprehensible behavior and indicates no respect or understanding of what art or culture is. Real art and culture creates a real legacy.

John, In complete agreement with your thoughts on this issue. It’s really disheartening to see the BCAC on life support and the adverse affect the radical funding cuts are having on the provincial arts sector. Spirit Festival concept is complete rubbish designed to buy votes in non urban communities and simultaneously to tell the “real cultural workers” in the community exactly what they (Liberal gov’t) think of them. The gov’t just doesn’t give a damn about culture and art. That much seems pretty clear.

Totally agree. Everyone I talk to think that the idea of ‘Spirit Festivals’ is really tacky.

Is there any chance that the government will back down on this ill-conceived and incredibly gauche idea? Is this REALLY going to happen? Maybe it’s a government conspiracy…they’re hoping that all the arts orgs will be so upset that everyone will boycott, so they can shrug ‘your loss’ and put the money back in their pockets ?

Given the unanimous opposition to the BC Spirit Festival expressed here, will artists take the next step and boycott it?

Artists and concerned citizens can complain all they want – but what does any of it mean if grant applications continue to be submitted?

If you hate what the government is doing to the arts – if you hate this festival in particular – you have to unite and, in solidarity, declare you will have nothing to do with it.

Boycott the BC Spirit Festival.

Consider this folks – the ‘Spirit Festival’ grant can only be applied for by Members of the Assembly of BC Arts Councils, or Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Band Councils or other Aboriginal cultural organizations.

Too bad they didn’t resurrect the BC Festival of the Arts. Every year a different city took it on, it supported all manner of art and artists, all at the same time. It was uplifting to be present at one whether or not you were a delegate.

And February? A bad storm and there go your participants

Right on John. I was wondering when someone would speak the truth about this ridiculous idea. 30 million thrown away while bonafide groups, like mine, the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, limp along after 100% cuts. It;s sheer insanity.These Liberals wouldn’t know art from a f-art. These are scary times for democracy and the arts, two things that go hand in hand.

Right on!!! Thanks for speaking up when so many of us feel we can’t . Millions of dollars being sucked up by/for the Olympic Games…AGAIN, instead of being used for and by the community at large. It would be laughable if not so devastating.

BRAVO!

Well put, John. And yes, shameless hussy productions will boycott this BC Spirit Festival grant crap. Why not go out in flames?!

Boycott the Spirit Festival!

I applaud John McLachlan and Jane Danzo for standing up and telling everyone that what the Campbell Liberals are doing to the Arts in BC is unacceptable. They give us something to cheer for but unless we stand with them and form a united artistic protest we lack a strong enough voice. If we apply for these Spirit Grants and implement the government’s vision of what artists should do, we sell out our own community and our own visions. Let’s do what artists do best – show people what is and what is possible!

This is bang on. The only art gallery in my northern B.C. town lost all it’s funding from the province and is now fundraising locally in order to keep its doors open so that local artists have a place to show their work. It’s sad times and a festival celebrating last year’s news isn’t new or innovative.

I did NOT vote for this. Stop killing the Arts.

Oh yeah, Spirit Festivals. Those are those parades Kim Jong Il throws, right?

Sorry but if you had worked in industry and business as I have for many years, you’d be well aware of the handouts given to that sector not involved in the arts (Sun-Rype, mining companies, lumber, and the list goes on and on)!

The more restrictions you put on arts-based funding, the less art that gets made…. so, are we all to assume that this province, and this country are becoming too elitist for the majority of the citizens to actually live here?!

The cultural crème de la crème are replying to you Mr. Campbell and Mr. Krueger in these comments in support of John’s position. And we are only the tip of the iceberg.

When are each and every one of us finally going to take back the power into our own hands and start demanding that this government remember that we are their employers and we pay their salary and we have the power to fire them? Now that’s a festival I could get behind!!!

We must address public mistrust of government funding of the arts. We are a province of people who don’t get the business, jobs, and value impact culture plays in our quality of life and our prosperity as a province. Perhaps it’s from too long and so recently being solely reliant on resource based industries.

Providing seed money to the arts is economic stimulus and is the lifeblood of our ability to fully join the knowledge based economy, fight the brain drain, and lure central business activity like head offices to BC

NEGATIVE COMMENT

If the arts community cannot sustain itself as opposed to perpetual reliance on the taxpayer for funding, then it has no reason to exist.

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Arts Advocates Need a Marketer

On August 29, 2010, in Arts Advocacy , BC Arts Council , Leadership , Opinion , by John McLachlan

The arts community faces a huge challenge in British Columbia and its relationship to public funding. How do we change our situation from the mess we are in where the Minister feels we are “vicious” and the public doesn’t even know there’s an issue at stake.

The traditional view of where economic value comes from in this province needs to be updated. The population is still stuck thinking it’s only from resources, tourism, and good public sector jobs. Though it’s true, this accounts for a huge amount, the general public just doesn’t really get how much cultural economic activity exists and how much it adds to our economy.

Money is just one half the battle. In fact, it’s often said that making the economic argument is the weakest approach. The other half is that we need to show the value of supporting arts and how it filters through to making the lives of people better in so many ways. The general public (voters) don’t see this now.

The public’s worldview just doesn’t include the value of arts either economically or socially. Until that changes, we are stuck in our ghetto.

We have our work cut out for us. And it will be hard because we are a varied group of people working in many different areas of the arts.

We don’t have a natural way to be united as one and that is what works against us. The BC Arts Council could be the way, but in its current state, it can’t be because it has no power or authority.

Somehow, we need an organization with a strong leader to come forward and do two things: Lead and Organize. I don’t know who that is. It is not the Assembly of BC Arts Councils as its mandate is too closed and it’s now dealing with giving out grants. It could be the Alliance for Arts and Culture, but its mandate is strictly Metro Vancouver and if its mandate were to change it would make those “not in Vancouver” nervous.

We need an organization and a person who wants to lead.

We need someone who we can rally around who has the guts to stand up and be noticed and who can take the message to the people in an effective and clear way. If a person or organization showed this in any way, I’d donate time and money to help.

We need to put forward the reason for arts funding support like a marketer would by understanding who we are selling to and moving the needle of support where it’s possible to be moved and ignoring it where it’s not.

It would be a huge undertaking.

Who? Where? What? When? How?

Am I completely off-base or dreaming? What are you thoughts?

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ASSEMBLY OF BC ARTS COUNCILS REPLIES

On August 26, 2010, in Arts Advocacy , Assembly of BC Arts Councils , BC Arts Council , Spirit Festivals , by Tom Durrie

August 26, 2010

Dear Mr Durrie,

Thank you for taking the time to write to us regarding the BC Spirit Festivals funding announcement and the Assembly of BC Arts Council’s role therein.

As you may know, the Assembly aims to “advance arts and cultural development in the Province of British Columbia through the furtherance of the respective objectives of B.C.’s community and regional arts councils and other similar organizations”. To this end, one of the Assembly’s key activities is advocacy on behalf of its members.

We hope the attached Q&A document and press release will provide you with further information regarding our role in administering the BC Spirit Festivals funding.

We are pleased to work with the Ministry and the BC Arts Council in increasing funding opportunities for our members and are optimistic that the Spirit Festivals will help mobilize community and regional arts councils and cultural organizations to showcase the best in arts and culture that our communities have to offer. For information on becoming a member, please visit our website: www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca

Yours sincerely,

Joan Richoz

President

Assembly of BC Arts Councils

For Immediate Release

August 5, 2010

ASSEMBLY OF BC ARTS COUNCILS ADVOCATES FOR

BC COMMUNITIES

NANAIMO- Building on its success in administering BC Arts and Culture Week and BC 150 funding programs, the Assembly of BC Arts Councils (the Assembly) has been asked to administer the BC Spirit Festival’s $3 million funding program in partnership with the British Columbia Arts Council.

The result follows months of advocacy work on behalf of its members with Ministry staff.

“Advocacy is our number-one purpose” noted Joan Richoz, President of the Assembly of BC Arts Council. “Over the past year, we have significantly increased our advocacy activities and are encouraged that our efforts have indirectly led to increased funding for our members, and in turn their communities, by the creation of the BC Spirit Festival grants.”

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts announced last week $3 million in funding would be available for Assembly members, Aboriginal cultural organizations, Aboriginal Friendship Centres or Band Council applicants. Not wanting to administer the project themselves, the Ministry has asked the Assembly, in partnership with the British Columbia Arts Council, to employ a peer assessment process for determining program funding support.

“The Spirit Festival grants will help mobilize and strengthen arts councils and cultural organizations throughout the Province” said Assembly Executive Director, Junko Sakamoto. “As a result, they will provide the opportunity for individual arts and cultural organizations to work collaboratively in showcasing the best of what their communities have to offer.”

“Having strong regional and community arts councils is a great benefit to arts and cultural organizations and their communities over the long-term. The BC Spirit Festivals are a positive way to get individual organizations to work together with their arts councils and other cultural organizations.”

As an umbrella group, the Assembly brings to the attention of all levels of government the needs and concerns of its members, namely B.C.’s community and regional arts councils and other cultural organizations. An apolitical non-profit society, the Assembly is dependent on government grants for a significant portion of its budget. Its funding sources include the BC Arts Council, 2010 LegaciesNow, ArtsNow, and BC Gaming funds (Ministry of Housing and Social Development) to name a few.

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For more information on the Assembly of BC Arts Councils, please visit:

http://www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca

Contact: Junko Sakamoto, Executive Director, Assembly of BC Arts Councils

1-888-315-2288


ASSEMBLY OF BC ARTS COUNCILS

BC SPIRIT FESTIVALS GRANT ADMINISTRATION

Q&A

Q. 1 Does the $3M go directly to the Assembly? What is your organization’s role vis-àvis the British Columbia Arts Council in terms of administering this grant?

No. The money does not go directly from the Ministry to the Assembly of BC Arts Councils. The money goes to the British Columbia Arts Council who has asked the Assembly to provide third-party delivery of the funding.

This is not a new undertaking for the Assembly. In 2008, we were asked to administer the BC 150 funds to community arts councils. We also partnered with the British Columbia Arts Council to deliver this program. For the past 11 years, the Assembly has been the provider of third-party delivery of funding for Arts and Culture week in partnership with the British Columbia Arts Council and ArtStarts in Schools.

Q.2 a What advocacy activities has the Assembly carried out over the last year?

Over the past year we have significantly increased our advocacy efforts.

In July 2009 when Gaming funding cuts were announced which heavily impacted arts organizations, we carried out an in-depth survey with our members to gauge the impact of the cuts. We then sent letters to Premier Campbell, Ministers Krueger, Hansen and Coleman, demonstrating the value of arts and culture in our communities and describing the consequences of the cuts. We also urged our members to write to the Premier, Ministers and their own municipal governments. Members also attended pre-budget Finance Committee consultations which led to the Finance Committee’s decision to put forward the recommendations of members and community arts organizations to government. As such, we set up a dialogue with the Ministry and we are pleased with our leadership on behalf of members.

Q.2b How does this fit with your organization’s purpose?

The Assembly of BC Arts Councils is a provincially incorporated society and federally registered charity dedicated towards advocacy , resources and community .

The Assembly is the voice for the arts in BC: it is the largest representative body of community and regional arts councils (and in turn, their member arts and cultural organizations) throughout BC and works in partnership with other agencies, organizations and individuals to advance arts and cultural development in the Province of British Columbia.

Q.3 How did the Assembly propose the idea of the BC Spirit Festivals funding?

In January 2010, the Assembly invited Minister Krueger to attend our 31st annual conference in Richmond in May. During his keynote speech, he spoke about the $30 million 2010 Arts and Legacy Fund his government had created and he asked our members to send him their ideas and proposals for how to spend the money.

Many members spoke to him personally at the conference and others sent him their ideas and proposals. The Assembly also sent 4 proposals including one to increase the funding for Arts and Culture Week, a program we have been co-producing with ArtStarts in Schools. All our proposals caught the eye of the Minister and he requested a meeting with our Executive Director, Junko Sakamoto, to further discuss the ideas.

Q.4 How will the BC Spirit Festivals help individual organizations?

Funding is available to assist BC Spirit Festivals in communities across BC. Each community is encouraged to work collaboratively to develop its festival program.

Preference will be given to festival programs that build local partnerships, work with professional arts organizations, and engage professional artists and diverse communities.

The deadline for applications is : October 6, 2010 at 1:00pm. For more information on applications, who can apply and how to apply please visit:

http://www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca or contact our office directly by calling 1-888-315-2288 and we will be happy to discuss your application proposal before you make a submission.

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