FAQs
The non-partisan Nova Scotia Arts Coalition knows that sometimes people don’t realize the depth of how what we do impacts their lives.
We have developed a series of common questions and answers.
If there are questions you would like answered, message us and we will do our best to answer all sincere and respectful questions about why the current budget proposals from Tim Houston will be selling out our culture, our heritage, our province.
It’s time to go back to the drawing board and make a budget for all Nova Scotians.
Why Bother Contacting My MLA?
The budget is still being debated in the Legislature and is still to be voted on. It’s not too late to make a difference!
My MLA is a Conservative. Is there any point contacting them? Yes! In fact, it is especially important to let MLAs from the Conservative party know that their constituents value Arts, Culture and Heritage. Pressure from within the party can make a huge difference.
Don’t We Have to Focus on Healthcare in Nova Scotia? Yes. And studies have shown that when you are involved in the arts, at whatever age, your mental and physical health improve. People want to connect with one another, to get away from their screens and tap into culturally vibrant communities. These cuts will have an exponential impact, increasing social isolation and decreasing economic growth. That’s a recipe for a healthcare crisis.
Aren’t the Arts Elitist? Why Should I Care? Art is for EVERYONE. The arts come in all forms, from comic books to live music in your pub, to theatre, to the mural in your town, and so on. A lot of art is free to experience and organizations try to keep the costs down because we really want you to experience it.
Right now, arts are in every school and community, and cultural workers are in your neighbourhoods.
Why Do You Need Grants and Subsidies? Governments invest in all kinds of projects and programs, and it is important to remember that every dollar allocated for Arts, Culture and Heritage brings an extra $4.59 to the economy.
Funding is an investment in making arts accessible, in reaching schools, seniors and underserved communities; it helps make the province culturally vibrant, encouraging people to put down roots here; it is an investment in creative innovation that, in turn, inspires other sectors of the economy; it also supports Nova Scotian artists exporting their work, sharing our stories and drawing visitors to engage in our thriving tourism sector; in many different ways, it is enhances quality of life and sustains diverse expression and communities.
What Should We Do If Not Cut Arts, Culture and Heritage?
We understand that budgets are complicated and money is limited.
That said, this government’s budget is projecting a $1.24 billion deficit. Cuts to Arts, Culture and Heritage represent a fraction of that amount. Compared to what would be saved, these cuts are devastating for organizations that typically run on tiny margins, especially in the post-COVID era.
In other words, they get a big return on their investment, and cutting the programs will actually make the deficit worse because the government and our economy will lose that tax and generated revenue. Plus tax dollars as people lose work and move away.
A sudden, massive cut isn't a humane or reasonable way to manage a budget. We know that it will cause job losses, reduced tourism, and a general reduction in economic activity. More of Nova Scotian discretionary spending will go to things like online streaming services and less to local businesses. Amongst other things, this means reduced tax revenues. The province could lose money.
Why Are You Yelling? Protests Don’t Work.
We gather, peacefully but resolutely, to remind our representatives that their job is to listen to us, and respond. We do not elect regents, we elect representatives who are supposed to advocate for us and our communities. Sometimes, our collective voices must be raised in order to be heard.
Please join us and help reverse this ill-advised budget.
