Recognizing the importance of a dynamic arts sector, a bipartisan committee of the B.C. legislative assembly has called for increased investment by the province in the arts.

The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services made the recommendation in its report this month following consultations regarding the 2016 provincial budget.

All in all, the committee chaired by Delta North B.C. Liberal MLA Scott Hamilton made 63 recommendations on a wide range of concerns, like education, health, and public safety.

Specific to the arts, the panel pointed out that the government spends over $60 million a year on artists and arts organizations through grants and related initiatives.

“Arts and culture programs educate and inspire in a variety of ways, enhancing quality of life and providing vibrancy to communities across the province,” the committee noted.

It recalled that the Alliance for Arts + Culture suggested an increase in the grant budget of the B.C. Arts Council to $32 million. The non-profit group serving as a voice for artists and organizations in B.C. also proposed that this funding level be enhanced to $40 million in the long term.

“The potential for making B.C. more competitive for this sector, within a national context, was also emphasized,” the panel stated about the presentation made by the Alliance.

In its report, the legislative committee recommended increased provincial investment in the arts through “dedicated multi-year funding commitments”.

The panel also called for an increase in the grant budget of the B.C. Arts Council, which was created by the province in 1995 to support arts and culture.

In addition, the committee recommended “investment in a distinct cultural facilities capital infrastructure program”.

In its newsletter released Wednesday (November 18), the Alliance stated that it is “encouraged” by the inclusion of its recommendations in the legislative committe's report.

The arts organization also urged members of the arts and culture community to get in touch with Finance Minister Mike de Jong, who will unveil the provincial budget in February 2016.