We asked six Arts questions to Richmond’s provincial election candidates.
Please read their answers below, listed in the order they were received, and keep those responses in mind when you are at the polling station.
Has not yet responded:
Hon Chan (BC Conservative Party)
Sunny Ho (Independent)
Wendy Yuan
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1. Since 2019, BC’s cultural economy has outshone every other province in Canada. It is estimated that the cultural sector adds $8.6 billion to the BC economy, more than the forestry or hotel industries. Do you feel that the arts contribute to our local and provincial economies? How or how not? How could this contribution be increased?
Henry Yao (BC NDP)
David Eby and the BC NDP are bringing people together to celebrate their communities and love of local arts and culture by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events. We will work with artists, communities and artist-led organizations like the BC Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Heritage, to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships and the rising costs of equipment and services.
A strong arts and culture sector contributes to a sustainable economy by encouraging creativity and innovation across sectors and in our workforce: the sector attracts business investment, increases exports, and directly impacts employment and tourism.
Rustad’s Conservatives don’t believe in the importance arts and culture play in building an inclusive and diverse community. We do, and we will continue to invest tens of millions of dollars to local, regional and Indigenous organizations across the province – many of those connected to the BC Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Heritage – through programs like the Community Grants Fund and the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events fund.
Dickens Cheung (Independent)
Absolutely, the arts make a significant contribution to our local and provincial economies. The cultural sector’s $8.6 billion impact on the BC economy is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. Beyond the direct financial benefits, the arts also attract tourism, stimulate business growth, and enhance our communities’ quality of life. The arts sector’s economic contribution could be further increased by investing in arts education, providing more grants and funding opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and fostering partnerships between the arts and other industries. By nurturing our creative talent and supporting the development of cultural infrastructure, we can unlock the full potential of the arts as a driver of economic growth and social well-being. As an Independent MLA, I will champion policies and initiatives that recognize the vital role of the arts in our economy and work to create an environment where creativity can thrive.
2. If elected, how do you and your party plan to support local artists and cultural organizations?
Henry Yao (BC NDP)
We will continue to support the heart of communities by investing in the arts and culture activities people here – and visiting here – love most, including helping local community and cultural organizations, by continuing our historic level of support to ensure organizations and associations remain able to deliver programming and events.
We are bringing people together to celebrate their communities and love of local arts and culture by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events. We will work with artists, communities and artist-led organizations like the BC Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Heritage, to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships and the rising costs of equipment and services.
Rustad’s Conservatives don’t believe in the importance arts and culture play in building an inclusive and diverse community. We do, and we will continue to invest tens of millions of dollars to local, regional and Indigenous organizations across the province – many of those connected to the BC Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Heritage – through programs like the Community Grants Fund and the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events fund.
Dickens Cheung (Independent)
As an Independent MLA Candidate for Richmond Centre, I am committed to supporting local artists and cultural organizations in Richmond and throughout British Columbia. I believe that a thriving arts and culture scene is essential for the health and vitality of our communities. If elected, I will advocate for increased funding and resources for the sector, including grants, subsidies, and tax incentives that help artists and organizations sustain their work. I will also work to create more affordable studio, rehearsal, and performance spaces, as well as opportunities for public art and community engagement. By fostering collaborations between artists, businesses, and government, we can build a more vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape that benefits everyone. I will be a strong voice for the arts in the legislature, ensuring that the needs and contributions of local artists and cultural organizations are recognized and supported.
3. Sustainable support to the arts, culture, and heritage sector contributes to a community’s health and well-being. The Province, through the BC Arts Council (BCAC), nurtures and supports arts and cultural activity in communities across BC. In supporting community arts, individual artists, professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists and cultural organizations, arts galleries, local museums, and festivals, BCAC funding is critical to the sustainability of the cultural sector.
Do you and your party support increasing the annual budget for the BC Arts Council?
Henry Yao (BC NDP)
Funding and support for arts and culture has never been as strong or as extensive in BC history. From arts and literature to festivals and museums, we will continue to build a thriving arts and culture sector that keeps our communities vibrant and healthy. We support individuals, artists, volunteers, and organizations who are bringing people together to celebrate their communities, cultures and love of local arts by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events.
Rustad’s Conservatives do not share the belief that fully funded programs and institutions benefit communities. Whether it be connecting children and youth with skills and supports to create well rounded students or providing volunteer opportunities for senior citizens to share their rich local heritage, we know that John Rustad and his team will slash budgets and cancel projects. When it comes to giving further tax breaks to their wealthy friends, arts funding will be the first item on the chopping block to stoke that fire.
David Eby and his BC NDP team have not only helped grow arts and culture at home but kept costs down for art students, museum visitors, festival-goers and families participating in arts and culture activities in our home communities.
Dickens Cheung (Independent)
As an Independent MLA Candidate for Richmond Centre, I wholeheartedly support increasing the annual budget for the BC Arts Council (BCAC). The arts, culture, and heritage sector plays a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of our communities, and the BCAC’s funding is crucial for sustaining this sector. By providing support to a wide range of cultural activities, from community arts to professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists, and local museums, the BCAC ensures that our province’s rich cultural tapestry remains vibrant and accessible to all. Increasing the BCAC’s budget will allow for the expansion of grants, programs, and initiatives that nurture creativity, preserve our heritage, and contribute to the overall quality of life in British Columbia. As an MLA, I will advocate for a robust and sustainable funding model for the BCAC, recognizing the immense value that the arts, culture, and heritage sector brings to our society.
4. How do you view the importance of arts and music education within the public school system? How would you and your party support school initiatives for arts and music programs including making art supplies and instruments low cost or free? How about field trips or visits by arts practitioners?
Henry Yao (BC NDP)
Arts and music education are important aspects to a well rounded school experience for students. Schools provide an accessible environment for children and young people to learn and be exposed to musical instruments, dance and other forms of creativity that they might not otherwise have access to.
David Eby and the BC NDP are providing historic support to the education sector by more than doubling funding to school districts and empowering them to prioritize arts and music education. We will continue to fund art and music education to take place outside of the classroom as in the case of many non-profits receiving Community Gaming Grants to fuel their afterschool programs like the Arts Umbrella.
Similarly, we provided $1.4 million to support the After School Sport and Arts Initiative which provides high quality sport, and specifically arts opportunities at no cost and is designed specifically to address financial, cultural and transportation barriers.
For families who need extra help, we’re taking action to cover the costs of school supplies and class trips, as well as sports and music programs by replenishing the Student and Family Affordability Fund this year with an additional $20M. We know that arts and culture funding has never been a priority for John Rustad and will be the first thing cut to pay for the costly tax breaks that will go to his wealthy donors.
Dickens Cheung (Independent)
Arts and music education is essential for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence in students. As an independent MLA candidate for Richmond Centre, I strongly support making these programs accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By providing low-cost or free art supplies and instruments, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore their artistic potential. Furthermore, field trips and visits by arts practitioners can expose students to diverse forms of creative expression and inspire them to pursue their passions. I will champion initiatives that prioritize arts and music education within the public school system by fighting for adequate funding to achieve them, as I believe these programs are crucial for the holistic development of our youth, which are the future.
5. Richmond needs more purpose-built arts spaces. Richmond-based theatre, opera, choir, orchestra, and music non-profits often need to go into Vancouver or New Westminster to find purpose-built arts venues that are affordable and available. How will your government address this concern?
Henry Yao (BC NDP)
David Eby and the BC NDP believe access to new and modern arts institutions should not be restricted to those living in cities and suburbs. We know BC is home to world-renowned artists and organizations that enrich the entirety of our province. That is why we are ensuring organizations across the province, including those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, can take advantage of our Arts Infrastructure Program to make sure their communities are able to invest and grow their burgeoning art scenes or ensure their young people can develop their creative skills. This program enables organizations to develop and enhance spaces that support the work of BC’s arts and cultural practitioners. Typically, 50% of grants are distributed to organizations from rural or remote communities or those led by or rooted in Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.
Dickens Cheung (Independent)
As an Independent MLA Candidate looking to represent Richmond Centre, I recognize the vital role that purpose-built arts spaces play in fostering a vibrant and thriving arts community in Richmond. The current lack of affordable and available venues for local theatre, opera, choir, orchestra, and music non-profits is a pressing issue that demands attention. I will actively advocate for increased funding and support for the development of dedicated arts facilities within Richmond. This will involve collaborating with the City of Richmond, arts organizations, and possibly private sector partners to identify suitable locations and secure the necessary resources. By prioritizing the creation of accessible, multi-functional arts spaces, we can ensure that Richmond’s diverse artistic talents have the opportunity to flourish and enrich our community. I am committed to working tirelessly to address this concern and to promote a more robust and sustainable arts ecosystem in Richmond.
6. Richmond is a multicultural city, but many feel there are not enough cross-cultural opportunities to build understanding between communities. What role do you think the arts can play in creating bridges between cultures and what role do you think the Provincial government can play?
Henry Yao (BC NDP)
Richmond is a beautiful reflection of BC’s diversity with the sheer number of communities who call it home. The arts and creative spaces can be effective sites of connection across communities by bringing people together over shared interests. We are promoting access to shared public resources including cultural centres which offer families, seniors, and communities low-cost entertainment and places to gather and learn. That is why we are creating a cultural, sports and recreation fund that will help deliver affordable family entertainment and cultural community gatherings and celebrations across the province at a time when families rely on these services more than ever.
We’re not just stopping there because we are also enabling community organizations to deliver cross cultural community programming via the BC Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants. This annual program covers direct costs for projects that help reduce systemic racism and/or promote multiculturalism through education, awareness and interactions. These grants aim to build trust and understanding between diverse cultural communities in British Columbia. With these supports, David Eby is working hard to build a more welcoming and equitable BC for all.
John Rustad and his Conservative Party have demonstrated that a diverse and equitable BC has never been a priority for them and they do not shy away from choosing candidates whose views and speech are offensive and alienate others. We know that Rustad will slash community programs and services to fund the massive tax cuts for his wealthy donors and friends. The first programs on his chopping block that will then fuel those cuts will be programs that support community centres and programming which bring people closer together. Neither people nor communities can afford Rustad’s reckless cuts.
Dickens Cheung (Independent)
The arts have an incredible power to transcend cultural boundaries and foster understanding between diverse communities. In a multicultural city like Richmond, the arts can serve as a universal language, bringing people together to share experiences, stories, and perspectives. By supporting cross-cultural artistic collaborations, festivals, and events, we can create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and connection.
As an Independent MLA Candidate for Richmond Centre, I would have the ability to present this concern in the Legislature without having to wait for approval from a party because I am not part of any. I believe the Provincial government has a crucial role to play in facilitating these cross-cultural exchanges. This can be achieved through targeted funding programs that encourage partnerships between arts organizations from different cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the government can invest in community arts spaces that are accessible and inclusive, providing a platform for artists from all walks of life to showcase their talents. By prioritizing cultural diversity in the arts and allocating resources accordingly, the Provincial government can help build bridges between communities and promote a more harmonious and understanding society in Richmond and beyond, especially when the world is so divided today.
We thank the candidates for their responses.
Other Richmond Riding Responses:
Richmond-Bridgeport
Richmond-Queensborough
Richmond-Steveston