A coalition of arts and culture festival organizers in British Columbia have called on the government to continue funding such events.
In an open letter to Premier David Eby and Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport minister Chandra Herbert, the group demanded that the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund be renewed, or that a similar program be set up to ensure the money keeps flowing to those who rely on it.
During the election, the BC NDP committed to providing “stable, year over year funding for fairs, festivals and events,” though no details were given. In the months since, Herbert has met with stakeholders, however there has still been no clarification regarding where the funding will come from, leaving many in the industry feeling “vulnerable.”
“With an increasing number of Canadians looking for homegrown travel experiences, it’s never been more important to encourage thriving, exciting fairs and festivals,” the coalition wrote. “In spite of the uncertainty caused by rising cross-border tensions, it’s heartening to see a sudden increase in Canadians seeking out products made within our borders and cancelling US travel plans in favour of experiences that bring us together as a nation . . . experiences like BC fairs and festivals.”
They described their events as “cornerstones of cultural identity, economic vitality, and social cohesion,” arguing that they “offer a unique platform for celebrating our diverse talents and traditions — allowing us to come together in ways that reflect the fabric of BC.”
According to government statistics, the arts, culture, and heritage sector generates over $8.6 billion for BC’s annual GDP, and employs more than 150,000 British Columbians, more than 5% of the province’s labour force.
Victoria gave a total of $20 million to over 1,100 recipients in 2024. They ranged from the 100 Mile Pro Rodeo, which received $2,000, to the BMO Vancouver Marathon, which received $200,000.
The fund provided up to around 20% of an event’s total budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event. To qualify, the event needed to have a minimum budget of $10,000.
The letter was signed by people from the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival, BC Live Performance Network, Brewery & the Beast, Crankworx Whistler, Culinaire Victoria, Denim on the Diamond, FVDED In The Park, Honda Celebration of Light, Hopscotch Festival, Italian Day on The Drive, Just For Laughs Vancouver, Pacific National Exhibition, Phillips Backyard Concert Series, PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, Rifflandia Festival, Song & Surf Music Festival, Sunfest Country Music Festival, The Cup, Vancouver Craft Beer & Music Festival, Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Vancouver Writers Fest, Victoria International Wine Festival, Whisky Global, and “hundreds more in BC’s arts and culture community.”