Your Role in 2014 Civic Elections

In advance of the November 15 civic elections, the Alliance is inviting mayoral and city council candidates across the province to share their views on arts, culture, and heritage issues in their respective communities - and we need your help!

To aid you in making an informed decision when you head to your local polling station, we've created a survey to enable candidates in all areas of British Columbia to explain their position relating to issues affecting the creative sector. Questions posed pertain to topics such as funding, advocacy, cultural spaces, cultural tourism, and key issues within their communities. 

Survey results are being compiled and posted as they come in on a website we've created for this purpose, ArtsVoteBC.ca. We'll also post the link via the Alliance blog. 

Here's where you come in: Some communities are already actively engaged in local projects much like this, and we hope to reach out to those who don't have access to a local alternative source of information. The Alliance is seeking engaged community members across the province who would be interested in forwarding our survey link to candidates within their area. So far, we've shared the survey invitation with candidates for mayor and council in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Anyone wishing to be a survey liaison in other areas of the province should contact Alliance executive director Rob Gloor at rob[at]allianceforarts.com. 

To find listings and contact information for the candidates in your area, visit election2014.civicinfo.bc.ca. 

A recent study by Hill Strategies Research shows that, among Canada’s provinces, BC has the most artists as a percentage of its labour force and the second-highest percentage of cultural workers. Together we can be a province-wide community of engaged voters and advocates for our sector. Let's ensure that arts, culture, and heritage are on the agenda of our politicians. And don't forget to get out and vote!