BC coalition writes 100 times to Premier Campbell about arts cuts

B.C. premier Gordon Campbell is or will be receiving a batch of 100 letters from The Coalition for the Defence of Writing & Publishing in B.C. in support of restoring funding to the province’s literary arts groups. The premier should expect another batch in November.

The B.C. Association of Magazine Publishers (BCAMP), the Association of Book Publishers of B.C. and B.C. BookWorld formed the coalition in response to the elimination of provincial funding to the organizations by the arts & culture sector of the ministry of tourism, culture & the arts (Hon. Kevin Krueger).

A press release notes that Campbell is Canada's most literate publisher, judging by the fact that he is the only provincial leader who maintains a website to talk about the books he reads. The purpose of the 100 letters is to ask him what has happened to his resolve to be a champion of literacy and reading and to see BC as the most literate place in North America.

"We are asking him to take a personal stand on this provincial issue -- not for us, but on behalf of all British Columbians who want to continue to read and write and publish books and magazines about this province," said Rhona MacInnes, executive director of BCAMP.

The coalition is promoting a new slogan, “KEEP B.C. READING,” which will also be used to promote the stabilization of funding for the B.C. Arts Council, whose client arts groups, including writers and publishers, face further provincial cuts.

Related posts:

• Western Magazine Awards sees modest grant eliminated
  
• B.C. culture ministry cuts 100% of BCAMP funds as part of "literary clearcut"
• Federal minister Moore acknowledges "devastating" nature of BC arts cuts
•  BC magazine community dealing with quadruple funding whammy