mundo provocateur

where worlds collide ....
 

In times of universal deceipt, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act

---

 A NEW HOPE ???

Questions to Christie Clark
Newly appointed BC Liberal Leader

Q. Would you restore arts funding to 2008/09 levels?

A. As a strong believer in the work done by the select standing committees, I support their recommendations and would return to the 2008/09 funding levels.

Q. Will you honour the 1999 agreement to allocate 33.3 percent of gaming revenues to non-profits, or agree to re-negotiate that agreement in good faith?

A. These are difficult economic times and I want to make sure that we maintain our fiscal discipline. At the same time, groups who count on gaming grants as a source of revenue need some assurance, which is why I will ask a retired judge to chair a review of the way gaming grants are allocated to all groups in the province to ensure there is a stable and sustainable funding formula. The arts community will have a voice at the table during the review of gaming grants as we all work to create a funding system that works for government and the groups that count on the funding.

Q. Would you take measurable steps during their first mandate to raise BC’s per capita funding of the arts to at least the national average?

A. As a supporter of the arts, I know the contribution the sector makes. I want to consult with stakeholders to review the issue of funding the arts. It’s important to ensure that we are using measures that are comparable from province to province.

Q. Would you engage in an arts community driven consultation to create a cultural development and arts funding policy for BC?

A. Yes. I believe the arts and culture community is important to the social and economic health of the province. It is time to put an end to the yo-yo effect on funding and realize the positive impact of arts and culture in British Columbia, from our youngest resident to the oldest.

http://www.artsadvocacybc.ca/aabc-joins-with-alliance-to-question-leadership-hopefuls/

 

Douglas Coupland, writer, author of Generation X, and visual artist

People come to BC not just because of the pretty mountains. They come here because they expect a place where society is both different and better. Haven't you noticed that when you say 'Vancouver' to people, their eyes light up? For foolish short-term reasons we're killing that light, and all the money in the world can't buy it back once it's gone. We become a parking lot with mountains and it doesn't have to happen.