On this page you’ll find links to posts and articles about issues that we encourage you to respond to.
LORD BYNG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Vancouver–
Incredibly, the local school board has announced that they will discontinue the Lord Byng Symphony Orchestra from the beginning of next school year. The LBSO has been a major feature of Lord Byng Secondary School since 2003. The orchestra performs an annual subscription concert series, offers free dress rehearsal concerts to elementary schools, holds an annual piano concerto contest, has been recognized by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in the VSO Connects program, has played concerts in Italy and has been praised by the VSO’s music director Bramwell Tovey.
We urge you to write to
Ms. Maria Taddei, Principal
Lord Byng Secondary School
3939 West 16th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V6R 3C9
OR email:
mtaddei@vsb.bc.ca
Here are a number of links with more information:
Lord Byng Symphony Orchestra website
School cancels acclaimed high school symphony orchestra–Vancouver Courier
Vancouver parents upset about cancellation of student symphony–Vancouver Sun
Read our letter to Principal Taddei
Taddei letter
Your response is urgently needed.
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$38 MILLION IN ADVERTISING
The Hon. Kevin Kreuger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts has announced a campaign advertising the glories of BC to potential tourists from, it would appear, the US. In a $38 million television commercial we see a number of expatriated Canadians touting the wonders of BC. Hmmm. Nothing here that we could see to do with “Culture and the Arts” which have now been amalgamated into tourism. Read the report from News1130
To see the actual ad, click here: BC Promotion
While we are in favour of encouraging tourists to visit BC, the ad seems to be out of synch with the Ministry’s statements about arts and culture. This is from the 2009/10-2001/12 Service Plan Update (September 2009):
With the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games just around the corner, B.C. is in the enviable position to enjoy the economic benefits of the Games that will help us through these tough economic times and keep us strong for years to come. Critical to this success will be our ability to showcase not only B.C.’s first-class hospitality and adventure opportunities, but also the natural magnificence of the province. B.C.’s vibrant arts and culture events, tourism offerings and heritage attractions are among the lures which will attract tourists beyond Whistler and Vancouver. [emphasis added]
Please let us know what you think. Email us
Thanks to Wendy Newman for bringing this to our attention and for noting that $38 million would fund the BC Arts Council for two years.
CHANGES TO THE MINISTRY
According to the Georgia Straight (January 14-21), the arts and culture division of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is being eliminated and merged into the tourism function of the Ministry. Read the article: http://bit.ly/8IoZF3
Then write to the Minister requesting clarification of these changes. See our recent letter to Minister Kreuger, under Recent Posts.
BC PLACE ROOF AND UPGRADES
It seems incredible to us that the government has decided to spend $600 million (and counting) on our favourite white elephant. It’s like a slap in the face to all of the arts and social service agencies that have been told that there is no money for funding.
See our two most recent blogs about BC Place: “BC Place Rumour” and “The Story of BC Place.” You may want to ask some questions.
To read our letters about BC Place
and Minister Kreuger’s reply. please go to BLOG–LETTERS re BC PLACE
Go to MLA Directory for addresses for the Premier, Ministers, and MLAs. Also under Advocacy 101, Names and Addresses.
MASSEY THEATRE
Here’s a new link to information about the Massey Theatre and the public presentations to City Council. Thanks to John Oliver.
The Massey Theatre in New Westminster is threatened with demolition. This lovely 1200 seat proscenium theatre, built in 1949, is home to Royal City Musical Theatre and many local and touring performing groups.
October, 2009, there is hope for the Massey Theatre. Proof that citizen action can really make a difference.
AABC MEMBER: CITY OPERA VANCOUVER
Sumidagawa & Curlew River
May 2010
Denise Fujiwara, Madwoman, Sumidagawa
Isaiah Bell, Madwoman, Curlew River