ARTS COUNCIL PROMISE

A B.C. NDP candidate says his party will put an end to this province being last in Canada in per capita arts funding. Spencer Chandra Herbert (right) told the

Straight that the NDP platform pledges to double the government’s investment in the B.C. Arts Council over four years. This means the annual expenditure would eventually reach $48 million under a John Horgan–led government. The B.C. Liberals have frozen the B.C. Arts Council’s budget at $24 million annually since 2013-14. “As well, we will be increasing the number of years you can get your gaming grants, which for many artists will take a whole headache of paperwork off their plate,” Chandra Herbert said. The B.C. NDP has also promised to increase investment in Creative B.C. to support the domestic film sector. Meanwhile, the B.C. Liberal platform promises an additional $15 million for the B.C. music fund and $5 million for the community gaming grant program.