Here are some other thoughts former B.C. Arts Council chair Jane Danzo shared with the Straight:

On the inability for the B.C. Arts Council to speak out openly and freely:

"Early in my term [last year], when we were doing community consultations, he'd [Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger] encouraged us to use our independent voice. But subsequent to that, press releases were screened and had to be approved by public affairs and the ministry's office. The communications policy became really muddy. In March I asked for clarification and didn't get a reply till July. At that time it was made very clear that the ministry speaks for the arts. So I feel the council is hampered in its role as an advocate not to have an independent voice."

On her reaction to the government's announced cuts to core arts funding in its spring budget, when she was still chair:

"I personally was devasted by the cuts, by having to approve such a substantial cut to so many organizations."

On the current B.C. Arts Council board:

"The board is a wonderful board and they have exemplary commitment, so leaving that organization was a very dificult move. I do believe we've made a tremendous amount of progress in terms of professionalizing the organization in terms of governance. I'm proud that we have a four-year strategic plan."

On who can take the blame for the state of arts funding and the B.C. Arts Council:

"While there has been ministry support I feel it goes beyond that to another level where the government has not taken the advice of its advisory body seriously."

On whether a new party would restore arts funding:

"Even with a regime change, I'm not so sure that would happen."