Several large-scale BC event organizers have penned an open letter to Premier David Eby and Spencer Chandra Herbert, BC’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, in an attempt to keep them from cutting critical festival funding.
Specifically, the 23 signatories of the open letter from throughout the province are calling on the BC government to renew the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund (BCFFE) or at least create some kind of replacement.
Festivals such as Rifflandia, Phillips Backyard Concert Series and Sunfest say they rely heavily on this support and in these uncertain financial times, the funding is more important than ever.
“With an increasing number of Canadians looking for homegrown travel experiences, it’s never been more important to encourage thriving, exciting fairs and festivals,” wrote the organizations.
“As businesses and organizations we recognize these are challenging times for all levels of government, and we appreciate your efforts to protect BC industries from the looming impacts of possible tariffs.”
The open letter adds that these organizations find it heartening that people in Canada are cancelling US travel plans in favour of domestic experiences and supporting Canadian endeavours, such as their festivals.
“Our events are cornerstones of cultural identity, economic vitality, and social cohesion,” they wrote.
“Throughout the province, they offer a unique platform for celebrating our diverse talents and traditions — allowing us to come together in ways that reflect the fabric of B.C. But our fairs and festivals are more than entertainment.”
The organizers say that their events are responsible for a considerable amount of revenue generated by small local businesses and they are able to create jobs in a time when they are needed most.
According to the Province’s own stats, BC’s arts, culture and heritage sector brings in more than $8.6 billion to BC’s annual GDP, and employs more than 150,000 British Columbians through the year.
This represents 5.4% of the province’s overall labour force, which when compared to other provinces/territories, is the highest proportion in the country.
“Support for events is an investment in the livelihood of our communities, promoting tourism within our borders, and ensuring that British Columbia producers, artists, and performers have opportunities to thrive,” the open letter continued.
“That’s why we wish we could say planning for the future of BC events and festivals is well underway … unfortunately, we can’t.”
They pointed to the NDP’s successful 2024 re-election campaign in which event organizers across the province were elated to see commitments to “provide stable, year over year funding for fairs, festivals and events.”
This promise made them feel seen and heard by the BC government in how crucial their role is in the province.
However, this promise has not yet been fulfilled and organizers are worried that it will not become available at all, given the Province’s precarious financial situation.
“The clock is ticking on this year’s events and festival season, and BC is beginning to lose long-standing and beloved events such as The Vancouver Mural Festival and The Vancouver Island Music Festival, to name just two,” wrote the organizers.
“Sectoral challenges around ongoing cost increases and dropping revenues continue to plague the industry, and show no signs of improving in the short-term.”
They add that without adequate provincial funding, and if the BCFFE is not renewed, the result will be festival cancellations, postponements and cheap downsized-versions of what were once thriving and impactful events.
“The arts and culture industry is in a fragile and vulnerable state, and its future is in your hands,” they concluded.
The signatories of the open letter were as follows:
- 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 (PNE)
- 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
Read the full open letter online here.
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