EQUIFLASH [BC ELECTION SURVEY RESPONSE]

[CAEA e-drive]

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BC ELECTION SURVEY RESPONSE
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During the final week of March 2017, Equity sent a survey to members in
British Columbia. Its purpose was to determine which issues the live
performance community deems most important, as BC approaches its next
provincial election on May 9.

There are 24,800 artists in BC, which is more artists per capita than in any
other province. However, provincial funding to the sector has been
noticeably lower than that of most other provinces or territories.

Equity wishes to thank all who took part in the survey, which garnered 127
responses from throughout BC. Most respondents were concentrated in the
Southwest region of the province. For further information on the survey
results please consult our FAQ sheet at http://bit.ly/2nZQ1xL

The issue of greatest concern was arts education, whether in elementary and
secondary schools, or via post-secondary training programs - an area of
commitment that BC artists are particularly known for.

Members also expressed concern that artists in live performance be provided
with adequate financial support, whether in the form of operating and
project grants, or through measures that would elevate their standard of
living. In addition, they indicated a desire to see the arts become more
affordable and inclusive for audiences; to see greater attention to diverse
cultural programming; and to see the increased availability of housing and
rehearsal spaces.

>From April 3 to 5, Executive Director Arden R. Ryshpan is meeting in
Vancouver and Victoria with provincial candidates, as well as senior
administrators at various arts and culture agencies. It is hoped that these
meetings will foster a greater awareness of live performance concerns, and
will spur a general commitment to improving the outlook for Equity members
in the region heading into the May 9 election.
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria Street, 12th floor
Toronto, ON  M5C 3C4
communications at caea.com
http//:www.caea.com

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