Major B.C. events seeking funding from province amid rising costs

The organizers of several major B.C. cultural events are calling on the province for financial support.

Several of B.C.’s largest events and festivals are calling on the provincial government to step up with funding as they struggle with rising costs.

Bard on the Beach, Honda Celebration of Light, Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), and FVDED in the Park were among dozens who signed a letter penned to Premier David Eby and Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Spencer Chandra Herbert.

The group’s main ask was for the province to renew the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund (BCFFE) granted in 2021, or provide some type of replacement.

“We are struggling with many of the things that organizations, both in the arts and everywhere, are struggling with,” Claire Sakaki, executive director for Bard on the Beach, told CTV News.

“Which is rising costs and audiences that are returning, but not quite yet at the level that they were pre-pandemic.”

Other events, like the Vancouver Mural Festival, have announced they will not return for 2025.

“Like many arts and non-profit organizations, we have faced growing financial challenges in the past years,” organizers said in a statement last month.

“Despite our best efforts and significant progress to stabilize the organization, it is no longer viable for us to continue.”

Sakaki says without more funding, other events will likely have to follow suit or put on a diminished version of their event.

“I think there’s going to be many, many more that are about downsizing, about fewer performances, about fewer events and definitely fewer jobs,” she said.

Speaking to reporters at the B.C. legislature Thursday, Herbert said he’s spoken to some of the organizers and understands their concerns.

He said potential funding is being analyzed.

“We’re going to continue to support fairs, festivals and events because they’re important for our communities,” he said.

“Exactly when the program will be announced. The details of the program, how we are going to support these events further, that’s under analysis right now.”

According to government statistics, B.C.’s cultural sector accounts for nearly 155, 000 jobs, more than five per cent of the province’s labour force.

The sector’s GDP totals roughly $8.6 billion.

“These are vital parts of the communities in which we live,” said Sakaki.

“While there’s definitely an economic and a jobs reason for all of us to support arts, culture and heritage, I think there’s also a real community-minded spirit that we need to remember – that these are the heart and soul of where we live.”