The following is a letter that artist Roy Arden originally submitted to the Vancouver Sun. They declined to publish it without revisions that Roy felt changed the tone and intent of the letter, and Roy has chosen to circulate it directly to a variety of blogs and other outlets:

Please join in the discussion (see link below).

This is a piece by Martha Rans from the Artists' Legal Outreach.  Please follow the link below and join in the discussion.  This issue is flying under the radar for a lot of arts organizations, but many of those facing cuts will have to look at their bylaws to deal with potential cuts in administration.  With the Society Act session coming up next week, you have an opportunity to talk about how to do this and share resources.  Martha is flagging a very important issue for the arts community here and invites your input.  

In August 2009 the arts sector was faced with a significant cut to Gaming grants. 

As I write this it appears that those funds have not been restored in the new budget.  Gaming monies have been used by many arts organizations to fund the vital administrative work that is necessary to keep them going.  When the only paid staff person in a small artist run gallery has to handle all  the day to day issues, negotiate the lease, do the bookkeeping, as well as the programming, it is little wonder that some things fall by the wayside.  

Ottawa, Thursday, March 4th, 2010 – The Canadian Arts Coalition is pleased to see that arts and culture investment has been sustained in Budget 2010 and that the Government will continue to deliver on stimulus measures for the cultural sector identified in the Economic Action Plan.