The ED Report, April 2021

Dear friends and followers of the BC Alliance,

Dr. Bonnie Henry met with Ministers Mark and Bains and arts and culture organizations to discuss the future of the arts in British Columbia. | Image: Province of BC.

The big news last week was the announcement of an additional $16 million in funding for the province’s arts, culture and heritage organizations through the second round of Resilience Supplement Awards from the BC Arts Council. Not only does that additional investment put BC at the top of the list for provincial support of the arts during the pandemic, it speaks to the fact that the arts are considered essential because of the significant contribution they make to our good health and the social and economic well-being of British Columbians. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to thank your MLA, Premier Horgan, and Minister Mark, and show your appreciation on social media.

This week, Minister Melanie Mark and her staff, along with Minister Bains, convened an Arts Roundtable with Dr. Bonnie Henry and 35 arts leaders from around the province to begin the conversation about re-opening our sector. Dr. Henry explained the rationale behind the decision to keep our venues closed, but was optimistic that immunizations will have a significant effect over the next three weeks and that first doses will allow for a gradual reopening of performing arts venues. Here is a list of other insights offered by Dr. Henry. Please keep in mind that none of this is written in stone, and depends on vaccinations, their efficacy and the continued rise of variants that may change everything.

• A gradual allowance for gatherings will likely begin in May/June for up to 50 people.

• Gatherings may be possible in summer for seated outdoor events.

• A return to normal gatherings indoors will happen progressively throughout the fall.

• Large venues may be back to full capacity by the end of the calendar year.

• International touring will likely be the last thing to return.

Although there are still many unanswered questions, now that we have established contact with Dr. Bonnie Henry and her staff at the PHO, we will continue to work with them on the plan for re-opening. We know that Dr. Henry is a passionate advocate for the arts, and her priority continues to be the threat of the COVID-19 virus. Bob D’Eith, Caucus Chair and Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, will be undertaking meetings with the sector.

I am grateful to Brian Jonker at the BC Arts Council, and all my colleagues around the province who have been working hard to keep the PHO aware of the needs of our sector, particularly the consortium group of performing arts venues and arts service organizations who have been advocating collectively since the pandemic began.

Life is getting brighter and spring is in the air. We will win this battle as more and more people get immunized, and it can’t happen soon enough. People are eager to get back to gathering with their friends, families and colleagues to enjoy live performances or just hang out.

Take care and see you soon.

Brenda Leadlay
Executive Director
BC Alliance for Arts + Culture