The problem with government funding is, government policies change. An enlightened policy can morph into a reactionary one. The art scene in Vancouver, B.C., is heavily dependent on government subsidy. Aside from a few bright spots, such as Catriona Jeffries, strong galleries are thin on the ground.
Nonprofits carry enormous weight, such as Or Gallery, Presentation House, Helen Pitt, Artspeak, the Contemporary Art Gallery and of course, the Vancouver Art Gallery.
According to BC’s Alliance for Arts and Culture, 80 percent of public arts funding in the province has disappeared from the budget. If this money is not restored, the effect could be catastrophic. Story here. More to come.
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