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.
We have received responses from: Luc Burns (BC Green Party)
Still to respond: Dhar Grewal (BC NDP), Steve Kooner (Conservative Party)
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1. If elected, how do you and your party plan to support local artists and cultural organizations?
Luc Burns (BC Green Party)
Arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. We will increase the annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives, and also collaborate with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
2. 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. A 2026 Needs Assessment by the City of Richmond confirms this unmet community need. How will your government address this concern?
Luc Burns (BC Green Party)
As the fiancee of an opera singer, who gets to hear musicians talk about their craft, this is not the first time I have heard that we need more purpose-built art spaces in the lower mainland. As MLA, I will push for the provincial government to collaborate with municipal government to try and rectify this unmet community need.
3. The BC Arts Council supports community arts, individual artists, professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists and cultural organizations, arts galleries, local museums, and festivals. This funding is critical to the sustainability of the cultural sector, which contributes to a community’s health and well-being. Do you and your party support increasing the annual budget for the BC Arts Council?
Luc Burns (BC Green Party)
Yes, we will increase the annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives, from about $40 million today.
4. Do you feel that the arts contribute to our local and provincial economies? How or how not? How could this contribution be increased?
Luc Burns (BC Green Party)
Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot program is a very good proof of how the arts contribute to our economy. It is now a permanent government program. While I don’t believe there is currently any traction for anything similar here, the BC Greens are willing to increase the annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million and develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan
5. 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?
Luc Burns (BC Green Party)
As someone who grew up with arts and music integrated into my public school education from as long as I can remember, I also hope that kids get to experience band, and playing the recorder, and learning about different forms of creativity and self-expression. The BC Greens will continue funding ArtStarts and other arts programs, ensuring educators have the tools to integrate arts education into classrooms, supporting mental health and well-being.
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?
Luc Burns (BC Green Party)
The arts let people share stories, food, music, and traditions without needing a common language. In a diverse city like Richmond, a shared festival often builds more understanding than any formal program, because people meet as neighbours. The province can help in two ways. First, restore stable, multi-year funding for fairs, festivals, and events, so groups behind celebrations like the Steveston Salmon Festival can plan ahead. Second, strengthen BC Arts Council support for smaller community-led groups, focusing on cross-cultural collaborations.
We thank the candidates for their responses.
Other Richmond Riding Responses:
Richmond-Bridgeport
Richmond Centre
Richmond-Steveston