Influence the 2020 Provincial Budget!

image of Influence the 2020 Provincial Budget!

The 2020 BC budget needs to work for everyone – including artists and cultural workers. Over the past two years, the provincial government has grown the budget of the BC Arts Council from $24 million to $34 million. We gratefully acknowledge this investment, and ask that the government continue to follow through on its 2017 promise: to double the budget of the BC Arts Council.

Let Premier John Horgan, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier Carole James, and your MLA know why arts, culture and heritage matter to you. Use this letter as a starting point to make your case, then follow the directions to send.

The 2020 BC budget needs to work for everyone – including artists and cultural workers. Over the past two years, the provincial government has grown the budget of the BC Arts Council from $24 million to $34 million. We gratefully acknowledge this investment, and ask that the government continue to follow through on its 2017 promise: to double the budget of the BC Arts Council.

Let Premier John Horgan, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier Carole James, and your MLA know why arts, culture and heritage matter to you. Use this letter as a starting point to make your case, then follow the directions to send.

Email your MLA

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Send an email to your MLA, along with other key provincial government figures, to let them know why supporting the BC Arts Council is important to your community.

Find your local rep

Subject:

I am writing to you as a constituent in your riding to thank you for investing in the BC Arts Council, which has grown its budget from $24M to $34M over the past two years. The effects of that increased support have made a significant difference, increasing the number of grants by 23% with new programs for Indigenous, equity-seeking and regional artists and arts organizations.

I understand the government is always faced with difficult choices to keep BC's economy sustainable but I believe investing in arts, culture and creativity can help the people of this province face the significant challenges of our times - from climate change to mental illness.

In order for the BC Arts Council to fulfill its potential and fully implement the priorities of its new Strategic Plan, I ask that the government continue to invest in the arts and culture, and keep your commitment to raise that budget to $48M.

I’m sure you are aware of the significant economic impact of the arts in BC – they contribute over $7.1B to the GDP and employs over 98,000 people. The social impact of the arts is even greater, but harder to measure, because it’s experienced emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and even physically.

The latest research clearly illustrates that human creativity contributes to the health and well-being of all members of society, particularly those who are marginalized. The arts are making a real difference in the lives of people living with dementia, youth at risk, people experiencing homelessness and those who are incarcerated. Arts, culture and language are essential for true reconciliation, a core pillar for economic and societal health and wellness.
 
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I hope you will continue to support the growth of the BC Arts Council to empower all British Columbians.

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