The B.C. government's budget-consultation document carries a bold headline:  "Building a Stronger British Columbia".

It  suggests maximizing the Olympic advantage. It  brags about  B.C.'s competitive edge. And it highlights creating jobs and supporting communities.

The brochure includes  an emphasis on all sorts of government priorities, but nowhere does it mention arts and culture.

In 2010-11, the B.C. government forecasts overall expenditures of $40 billion. Only $2.25 million will flow through to arts and culture via the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The following year, provincial-government expenditures will rise to $41.8 billion, but even less money--$2.17 million--will flow to arts and culture through the ministry responsible.

If you think that's some sort of typo, you're wrong. It's  here in the ministry service plan.

This has prompted protests, letter-writing campaigns, and created a lot of stress for the 78,000  B.C. residents  who earn their livelihoods in the arts and cultural sector. The B.C. Arts Council outlines  the sector's  economic importance here.

There's still a way to influence the provincial government through the legislature's finance and government services  committee. It includes MLAs from both parties, and every year, it prepares a report with recommendations in advance of the finance ministry drawing up its annual budget.

The public can send submissions in writing or via  video or audio. There's also the option of transmitting a  message via e-mail. The deadline for public input is October 23.

For more details, go here.  If  anyone submits a dazzling, entertaining, or even gravely serious  video about the importance of the arts, let us know about it  and we'll try to post it on Straight.com for others to see.