Update on the BC Fairs, Festivals & Events Funding Campaign
BC Live, along with various arts and culture organizations and event producers in BC, has sent an open letter to Premier David Eby and Spencer Chandra Herbert, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, advocating for the renewal of the BC Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund (BCFFE). This campaign, which also included media, is in addition to BC Live’s recent campaign asking members to write letters to the Premier and Minister.
The letter expresses appreciation for past support but emphasizes the precarious position many BC festivals and events find themselves in, with potential closures looming if funding is not secured. The campaign brings attention to the significant economic, cultural, and community repercussions that could result from a lack of funding, such as job losses, a reduction in cultural experiences, and a decline in tourism revenue. It emphasizes that this funding is crucial for supporting arts and cultural events across the province.
The letter highlights the situation’s urgency: As time continues to pass without news of what that funding will be, our industry becomes more vulnerable and lacks the confidence to move forward. With the festival season approaching, there is concern that long-standing and cherished events in B.C. are at risk of cancellation or postponement. The letter stresses that if proactive measures are not taken soon, many of these once-vibrant events may be forced to downscale or cease to exist, adversely affecting communities throughout the province.
Take Action: Share the Message!
We urge you to read the letter at this link and share it with colleagues, community members, your MLA, and local media to help raise awareness. You’ll also find a press release, video and social media assets to share on your channels using the hashtag #SupportBCEvents to help us amplify the message.
We appreciate your support!
📷: Filberg Festival photo by Angela Howells