ArtsBC

Budget 2008: An Important Message from the Assembly

The arts and culture sector in British Columbia has reason to celebrate the February 19th provincial budget.

There are some targeted funds for existing and new cultural facilities, plus a commitment of a new endowment fund to provide arts and cultural funding in perpetuity. The income from this fund will be administered by the BC Arts Council.

So many of the commitments in this budget – to climate change, the economy, healthcare, education, housing – reflect the comments heard during budget consultations. But another area also received broad interest and support: culture and the arts. This is another strength we can build on in British Columbia.

As we prepare for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as we build our New Relationship with First Nations, as we celebrate 150 years of history… a cultural revival is taking place in every region of the province.

- Finance Minister Carole Taylor

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A Presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services

Arts Future BC recommends that the Government of British Columbia increase our investment in arts and culture by bringing the British Columbia Arts Council budget to $32 million.

Presented by the Assembly of BC Arts Councils, the BC Museums Association, the BC Touring Council, Canadian Artists Representation of British Columbia, Citizens for the Arts, the Greater Vancouver Alliance for Arts and Culture, the ProArt Alliance of Greater Victoria, and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres – the people who represent the Arts Future for British Columbia.

The arts enhance education
The arts promote health and healing
The arts create connections and communities
The arts contribute to our economic strength
The arts stimulate discussion and creative thinking

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