Kevin Falcon won't commit to restoring B.C. Arts Council budget

I like a politician that states his views. We need a leader that does not spout retoric or says anything to make friends. We need a decisive leader, not one who caters to every voters whim.

I don't know about you, but my budget has been hit hard during this economic downturn and I have had to cut my spending. Governments need to do the same.

With the earlier announcement, Falcon came off as just douchey, like a father hanging around his teenage daughter's slumber party. Eeeww. With this clarification/retraction, he has restored his previous position as a cranky old man that hates everything and everybody.

Falcon's closing comment entirely contradicts his earlier refusal to restore funding. He simply isn't making sense - and Campbell was exactly the same on this topic. And let's remember that "restoring" funding puts us to a level that's a tiny fraction of the industrial subsidy given to arts and culture in Ontario and Quebec and most other provinces, where arts/culture/communications are healthy enough to be a truly vibrant and lucrative sector of the economy. Not good enough, Mr. Falcon. You don't seem to want to stimulate a Creative Economy here, but instead stick with older moribund industries. Let's look to the future here. And let's start making sense.

@Margaret - Personally, I like Occam's Razor:
<blockquote>"Never ascribe to malign intent that which can be explained by incompetence".</blockquote>

Then again it is a (Falcon's)<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRYrx1AGzZw&feature=player_embedded">fool... paradise.

I don't believe Kevin Falcon can win a general election in BC

What does he mean that he would have to sit down with the Finance Minister and get briefed? Isn't he currently a Minister in the governing party? This is just smoke and mirrors. We all know the BC liberal party stance on the arts.

Hey Kevin! Why is BC Rail buying up land in Delta? Getting ready to give the consolation prize to OmniTrax? Why Kevin? Is this the next big prize to your buddies?

http://www.emeraldpig.ca
I am usually not so politically oriented. I just want to produce good quality theatre, provide alternatives for young people and adults that tap their creative talents and offer opportunities to work collaboratively, enriching the social landscape of the community. Is that too much to ask? Is it too much to ask for a little support from the government? I guess it is in today's political climate of fiscal responsibility and global economic crises.

But if we look at it from a purely economic point of view, which seems to be the only language the government understands, then let's take a look at the skill set required for the average worker today. In a recent BC Chamber of Commerce survey, small business employers were asked to identify the three most important workplace essential skills that employees need to succeed. Thinking, oral communication, working with others, and personal management were the skills given the highest ratings. (BC Ministry of Education). Anyone involved in theatre knows that these are exactly the skills required for a successful production and the skills taught in school drama programs - the ones that haven't been cut yet. Problem-solving, customer service, teamwork, creativity, social networking are just some of the qualities and skills needed to succeed in today's marketplace. Delivering the company script, memorization of products, sales presentation and customer relationships are all skills that can be developed and enhanced through training and education in theatre.

One of my first acting jobs was selling encyclopedias door-to-door in the mid 70's (talk about an extinct job!) I gave 2 or sometimes 3 shows a night to a limited audience (usually 2 adults and occasionally a couple of children, in the days before the internet) and I only got paid if I wowed the crowd! The first few weeks were like "preview nights", with mixed reviews and few ticket sales. But fortunately, I got better. I worked with a crew and a "field manager" who drilled us every day in how to knock on a door, how to look a customer in the eye, the right inflection to put on certain words, the answers (rebuttals) to "frequently asked questions" and the art of the "pause". I didn't realize until years later how much this training had actually prepared me for my life in teaching and consulting, and drew me into the world of community theatre.

There are lifelong benefits to participation in theatre activities beyond the job skills. Involvement in creative, intellectually challenging and social activities improves brain function and can stave off the deterioration of cognitive ability as we age. I believe I am smarter now and have a better memory than I had when I was younger. Well, unless it involves where I just put my cup of coffee! I attribute much of my ability today to theatre. The opportunities to try new things, meet new people, learn new skills have been endless. Sometimes I'm exhausted and feel drained and think - "I need a break!" Then someone will call or email or post something interesting on Facebook or Twitter or their blog about a show they're doing. Or someone will want to know what we're doing next and can they get involved and can I help? And I sigh, then think, "hmmm, what if we tried it this way ..." And before I know it, I'm not tired anymore. My brain is racing with ideas, regenerating neural connections and I feel FABULOUS!

We - and I mean all of us, including the government - should be doing everything we can to support the arts across the spectrum. We should be starting young and supporting and building arts programs in school and promoting community partnerships between business and arts groups. Adult arts activities can only have positive effects for our aging population by reducing the stress on the medical system and increasing the quality of life for everyone involved.

Just lost my vote. Have the guts to anger business people and please artists.