Canadian Actors’ Equity Association stands in solidarity with the Nova Scotia Arts Coalition in calling on the premier to reverse the devastating cuts to arts and culture funding in a sector that employs roughly 14,000 people in the province.
The budget disproportionately targets the cultural sector with $130 million in cuts. While these reductions will barely affect the provincial deficit of nearly $28 billion, they will severely harm the sector and the broader economy through job losses, reduced tourism revenue, and lasting damage to the culture industry.
Cuts include a 30 percent decrease in funding for Arts Nova Scotia and full or partial cuts to 72 grant programs, including the Artists in Schools program – which promotes arts awareness and participation for students – the next generation of artists and audiences.
“These cuts to Nova Scotia’s arts funding represent not just a loss of dollars, but a loss of employment, cultural life and community,” said Alex Levine, Executive Director. “Cutting education for the arts, in particular, is egregiously shortsighted.”
The Nova Scotia Arts Coalition will hold a rally, Wednesday, March 4, at noon outside Province House. We encourage members and supporters to attend, show their support, and urge their MLA to reverse the cuts.