Email from Logan Swain, Theatre SKAM Re: Arts Funding
Opposition to reducing arts funding, stating it undermines principles of good governance and community engagement.
Theatre SKAM Letter to Mayor and Council, Sept 2, 2024
From: Logan Swain Sent: September 3, 2024 1:01 PM To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Subject: Theatre SKAM Letter to Mayor and Council, Sept 2, 2024
Dear Mayor Tobias & Council,
I write regarding Councillor Rogers’ notice of motion on the agenda for today regarding View Royal’s participation in the CRD Arts service. Support for arts and culture is a cornerstone of a vibrant, healthy community, as is community engagement and consultation in government decision-making. The fact that these motions come forward with no community or staff input not only disregards the voices of the people of View Royal but also undermines the principles of inclusive and good governance. Given the lack of a seconder, I hope this motion will die on the floor.
Strong support for the arts is vital now more than ever. In these challenging post-pandemic times, federal and provincial arts funding has returned to pre-2020 levels while serving a higher demand than ever before. With the provincial election weeks away and a federal election knocking on the door, we are faced with the potential for further funding cuts at both levels in the near future. Consistent funding levels at the CRD Arts Service have been, and continue to be, a lifeline for CRD-based arts organizations.
A Westshore Arts and Culture Centre is desperately needed. It will support the artists who currently live and work there and enable groups based in other areas of the CRD to bring their work to the Westshore. The presence of a new facility will encourage artists to choose to live there and may even entice companies based elsewhere in the CRD to relocate. Indeed, these artists, companies, and even the Centre itself will rely on CRD Arts Service funding.
That said, opening a new Westshore Arts and Culture Centre is still many years away. Reducing View Royal’s contribution to the CRD Arts Service will harm the CRD arts community in both the short and long term. Maintaining consistent funding levels is vital, with many companies barely holding on financially as things stand. It is honourable to plan for the future, but that cannot come at the expense of the present. The notion that Langford and Colwood joining the service will offset a reduction in View Royal’s contribution is laughable at best. Neither has shown strong interest in contributing, with a motion in Langford dying on the floor last year.
I implore you to vote against Councillor Rogers’ motion to leave Group 1 of the CRD Arts Service. View Royal is a shining example on the Westshore of providing arts and culture with substantial financial support rather than drawing the line at kind words and encouragement.
Sincerely, Logan Swain Artistic Producer, Theatre SKAM
Theatre SKAM is grateful to live, work, and create on the Traditional Territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, now known as the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.
Want to know more about us? Check out skam.ca