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