WHEREAS the February 2009 BC provincial budget announcement contains cuts of nearly 50 to the annual arts and culture budget; AND WHEREAS one-time funding does not adequately replace ongoing funding and the planning it allows; AND WHEREAS investing in the arts provides a disproportionate economic stimulus to local communities over twelve dollars generated for every dollar invested; AND WHEREAS Vancouver is a livable city in large part because of the involvement and investments of artists and Vancouvers economic development has been aided by the citys vibrant creative sector and creative economy; AND WHEREAS eliminating support for the arts will have a negative effect on the creative sector, especially small arts companies and negative impacts on the creative sector will have a resulting negative impact on the economies of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver in a time of economic challenges: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the provincial and federal governments to reinstate full funding to the creative sector and related programs and further consider additional investment as part of the economic stimulus programs.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE THE ARTS The Province is committed to the long term health of B.C.s arts and cultural sector and recognizes the key social and economic role that arts and culture play in our society. The Province has demonstrated its commitment to the sector through the 7 million supplemental funding provided to the BC Arts Council the Council in March 2009 and with the allocation of 10.9 million of Community Gaming Grants funding to support the programs of the Council in 200910. While all of us have been affected by the global economic instability, the Province would be pleased to work with the UBCM to look for creative ways to support the sustainability of the arts and cultural sector. With regard to federal arts funding, the Province would welcome the assistance of the UBCM in convincing the federal government to increase spending in British Columbia.