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- WSAC Newsletter

November 2007 - Arts Funding

In the Fall 2007 Newsletter of the Assembly of BC Arts Councils it is noted that per capita government spending on arts and culture in British Columbia is below the national average. At $14.2 million, the BC Arts Council has one of the lowest budgets of any provincial arts council in Canada. Provincial government funding from all sources averages 7% of the operating budgets of performing arts organizations in BC, the lowest level of support in the country. The cost of increasing BC Arts Council's budget to $32 million from its current $14 million would amount to barely 1% of the projected provincial surplus.

In contrast to this low level of government investment, BC has the highest number of artists per capita in Canada. In 2003 individuals in BC spent 11% more on arts and culture than the Canadian average. British Columbians spent 67% more on live performing arts than on live sports events.

The Finance Committee will present their report to the Treasury Board in mid November. Arts Future's campaign includes delivering our message to every member of Cabinet and Treasury Board.

For more information and to read their complete Newsletter go to www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca.

September 2007
The West Shore Arts Council's new web site is launched.

May 2007
The West Shore Arts Council was the recipient of the Association of the Year award at the 2007 West Shore Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence.