From bcma@museumsassn.bc.ca Sat Aug 1 02:24:06 2009 From: bcma@museumsassn.bc.ca (BCMA) Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:24:06 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] BCMA Secretariat Office Closure Monday, August 3 & Annual Staff Vacation Message-ID: <4A739936.3090006@museumsassn.bc.ca> Please note the BC Museums Association Secretariat Office will be closed on Monday, August 3rd. Distribution of listserv postings will resume again Tuesday, August 4th. Please also note the main telephone number (250-356-5700) will not be staffed from Tuesday, August 4th to Friday, August 14th inclusive due to annual staff vacation but voice mail messages will be accepted during this time. For urgent enquiries, please email Jim Harding at E: jharding@museumsassn.bc.ca for assistance. Thank you! From JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca Tue Aug 4 19:44:04 2009 From: JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca (Jim Harding) Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:44:04 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] Impact of HST on Museums, Art Galleries, Historic Sites? Message-ID: <4A781F04.21772.AC1F99@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca> Hello Members & Subscribers; With the Province's recent announcement of a blended GST/PST into a harmonized sales tax (HST) in July 2010, meetings of cultural & heritage sector representatives, tourism industry representatives and Ministers Kevin Krueger and tomorrow, Finance Minister Colin Hansen, are now underway to understand the far-reaching implications and adverse affects of the operation of BC's cultural institutions and associations. In the words of COTA (Council of Tourism Association), of which the BCMA is a member on behalf of the Heritage tourism Alliance of BC, "We need to get in high gear." So we are initiating this listserv discussion for YOU to express how the introduction of the blended HST will either affect (or benefit?) your institution? Do you know yet? Will it have any affect at all (increase operating costs?) What new taxation on products and services will your institution now incur? How will it affect GST reporting and rebates? How will it affect visitors' out-of-country rebates? Will you pass on increased operating costs to admission prices? Has your operation had time to consider this change, or how you will implement changes in collecting and reporting? BCMA-L listserv also has out-of-province subscribers. Some provinces already have a blended HST. What changes did you experience? What warnings do you have, (ie. items not previously taxed that now may be under the HST)? Please post your comments and questions. These will be carried forward through the forthcoming meetings with the Province. Thank you, --Jim _______________________________ Jim Harding, ED BC Museums Association (250) 356-5694 From JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca Tue Aug 4 21:28:21 2009 From: JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca (Jim Harding) Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:28:21 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] HST Info Page from Canada Revenue Agency Message-ID: <4A783775.19846.10B9807@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca>
Further to the earlier posting regarding the impact of the HST in BC...

Here is a link to an online info page about HST, which includes additional links about the difference from GST and reporting:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/gnrl/hst-tvh/menu-eng.html

--Jim


_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694
 
From JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca Thu Aug 6 19:13:19 2009 From: JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca (Jim Harding) Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:13:19 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] More on the Pending HST... Message-ID: <4A7ABACF.30501.ADCB544@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca>
BCMA has consulted our auditor, McIntosh Norton Williams Certified General
Accountants, about HST implications (for BCMA), which may offer some clues
regarding operating considerations. See below...

See also this link regarding today's Times-Colonist (Victoria)  lead story about
the potential HST impact on Butchart Gardens.

(BCMA, as the lead cultural heritage organization working with the Heritage
Branch and Tourism BC, as part of the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC, is a
member of the Council of Tourism Associations (COTA), which Butchart
Gardens is also a member. COTA has been very active in response to the HST
announcement).

>From McIntosh Norton Williams:

Hi Jim,

There is not really much information on this [HST] right now but we are
working on something to put on our website.

The good news is that when BCMA buys a computer, office supplies, or
anything else with the 7% PST in the cost then you will save money
because you will get 3.5% of that back through the HST rebate (which
will replace the GST rebate you are currently receiving).

[NB: BCMA tracks & annually reports 50% of the GST expended over its
fiscal year and receives this amount back as a GST rebate].

The bad news is that anything that you are currently paying GST on, but
not PST, (accounting fees, contractors, hydro, basic telephone, etc)
will cost you an additional 7% up front which will eventually end up
costing you 3.5% once you apply for your annual 50% rebate.

The changes to reporting really will not change much. You will just be
getting back 50% of 12% rather than 50% of 5%.

Looking over your records from 2008 I think you are looking at savings
on hotels, capital assets, and office supplies.

You are looking at increased costs from rent, audit/accounting fees,
catering, and any contractors who currently charge GST.

If you have any other questions please contact us.
Thanks,
Jason
McIntosh Norton Williams
Certified General Accountants


The BCMA, of course, does not charge public admissions and we are seeking further clarification of implications to "gated attractions" and will convey details as learned.

Also, we have begun looking for an authority we can contract to offer a half- day workshop as part of the BCMA's 2009 Provincial Workshop (increasingly appropriately titled) "Survivor Osoyoos: ReThink, ReTool, ReWork! ", October 15-17, 2009 in Osoyoos, BC.

More to follow...
--Jim
_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694
 
From JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca Thu Aug 6 23:11:58 2009 From: JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca (Jim Harding) Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:11:58 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] Direct Access Freeze: More Fuel...? Message-ID: <4A7AF2BE.15554.BB724D2@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca>
Members & Subscribers;

The following bulletin from BCACG President Susan Marsden, accompanied the just-received August newsletter from the BC Association for Charitable Gaming (BCACG), for all recipients of Gaming grants:

"With Gaming Revenues at an All-Time High,
BC Government Freezes Direct Access Grants to Charities

"We have added this special bulletin to bring to your attention the situation that has evolved this summer with Direct Access grants. As you can see in the excerpts below from a Vancouver Sun article, the Province of BC has frozen Arts, Culture and SportsDirect Access grants that were committed to charities for late spring of 2009. Unfortunately, the BC Association of Charitable Gaming was not informed of this freeze nor were the grant recipients -- all anyone knew until now was that their own grant was late. Now thanks to this article we know that there is an indefinite freeze on these grants, despite the fact that gambling revenue has risen in BC.

"Arts, sports and community groups all over BC are anxiously checking their budgets after learning the Province has frozen $36 million from lottery and gaming revenues.

"Housing Minister Rich Coleman was unavailable for comment, but a spokesman said a decision on the grants would be made soon. He said the freeze is necessary because ' like other jurisdictions around the world, our government is facing unprecedented economic times.'
--Vancouver Sun, July 25, 2009

"In BC, revenues from government-run gambling rose last year to $1.962 billion, up from $1.919 billion in 2007. That's also a huge increase from the $403 million generated in 1992 in BC.

"Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia also had above-average gambling revenues per capita in 2008 ($556), while Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Quebec had relatively low numbers.
-- above two excerpts from Vancouver Sun, Thursday, July 23, 2009

"The BCACG has repeatedly asked the Gaming Branch to ensure that we are informed of changes in policy and issues of importance to our members. The request has been made formally to the branch both by the BCACG and by the BC Bingo Council. We need your help in mounting a campaign to ensure our voices are heard and that something like this does not occur again.

"What you can do:

- Contact your MLA and let him or her know that it is not acceptable to treat charities across the province this way and to deprive citizens of this province of the valuable services provided by these charities.

- Support the BCACG as we address the gaming grant issues of all charities. Join the BCACG and send us a letter of support.

- Attend the BCACG symposium in September to help ensure your voices are heard in Victoria.

Sincerely,
Susan Marsden,
President, BCACG"



As of Noon today, and after regularly checking-in since this story began circulating, there are no formal announcements posted on the Ministry website: http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/

There has been no formal notification to Direct Access applicants or funded clients, however informal discussions between peer cultural and heritage organizations indicate that applications from this spring are still being processed, but 'approved' are not being paid out, at least not before 'mid to late September'.

BCMA is endeavouring to confirm the status and timeline of Direct Access grants.

BCMA's annual grant provides for a number of programs including production of Museums Roundup; instructors, materials, venues & hosting fees for our ongoing(?) Regional Workshop Series program; bursaries; and periodic capital costs (computers, servers).

If you are a Direct Access program client, (early applicants may have already received their grants), and you have received formal notification concerning the status of your application (freeze) or indication of a future payment, please post this notification to BCMA-L

Thank you. More to follow...
--Jim


_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694
 
From robin@bcmuseumofmining.org Fri Aug 7 22:35:08 2009 From: robin@bcmuseumofmining.org (Robin MacDonald) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 14:35:08 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] BC Museum of Mining - Copper & Fire Summer Arts Series. Message-ID: <006401ca17a6$efbfb9d0$cf3f2d70$@org> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0065_01CA176C.4360E1D0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable =20 = =20 COPPER & FIRE 2009 SUMMER ARTS SERIES - AUGUST 9, 16, 23 Our annual Summer Arts Series =E2=80=98Copper & Fire=E2=80=99 starts on = Sunday August 9 and continues over 3 consecutive Sundays at the BC = Museum of Mining. Each day of our series will feature a variety of arts = and entertainment including; live art demonstrations, the = Museum=E2=80=99s 35th birthday celebration, and a series of concerts in = the historic Mill building. =20 No additional entry fees! You enjoy these value added features on top of = our already thrilling underground adventure tours. See our Website for = admission rates and details. Special thanks to Heritage Canada and EPCOR = for sponsoring this series. = Click here to visit our new website =20 Image = =20 =20 Sunday August 9 Live demonstrations by artists using a variety of different mediums. = Artists on site include: Mixed media sculptor, Byron Anderson Metal sculptor, Mark Mentiply Sculptor (stone and wood), Valeri Sokolovski Ceramic artist, Jenny Smack Image = =20 =20 Image = =20 Sunday August 16 The Museum=E2=80=99s 35th Birthday! Birthday celebrations and activities = will be happening all day including; free balloons, birthday cake, a = storyteller, caricaturist, and fire spinner Laura Scarlette.=20 =20 Sunday August 23 Image = The final day of the Copper and Fire Summer = Arts Series will include live demonstrations by Judy McQuinn, local = stained glass artist; James Grass, metal artist; and the Burnaby = Heritage Blacksmith Association. In addition, from 3 =E2=80=93 6pm there = will be a series of concerts in the historic Mill building that has = recently been completely refurbished and restored.=20 =20 Concert Schedule: 3:00 =E2=80=93 3:45 Iacavone 3:45 =E2=80=93 4:00 Dana-Marie 4:00 =E2=80=93 4:40 Carolyn Grass & friends 4:40 =E2=80=93 5:00 Dana-Marie=20 5:00 =E2=80=93 6:00 Karen Fowlie Band=20 =20 =E2=80=9CWe=E2=80=99re thrilled that we were able to expand the event to = three days this summer, and hope that it will continue to grow to = include new forms of art and performance in the future=E2=80=9D -Kirstin = Clausen, Executive Director BC Museum of Mining.=20 =20 Image = =20 =20 Our Partners and Supporters =20 2009-2010 Corporate Members 5440487 BC Ltd Almaden Minerals AME BC AngloAmerican Exploration BC Bearing Engineers Ltd. CWMM Eagle Mapping EPCOR Exeter Resource Corporation Candente Resource Corp Eagle Plains Resources EPCOR Exeter Resources Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP G&T Metallurgical Services Ltd. Golder Associates Ltd. Hatch Ltd. Haywood Securities Inc. Imperial Metals Corp Knight Piesold Ltd. Mining Association of BC Moly-Cop Canada Parkwood Construction Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. Silver Standard SRK Consulting Sumitomo Canada Ltd TECK UBC Dept. Electrical & Computer Engineering Sincerely, Kirstin Clausen, Executive Director, BC Museum of Mining Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0 =20 ------=_NextPart_000_0065_01CA176C.4360E1D0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="utf-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

 

COPPER & FIRE 2009
SUMMER ARTS SERIES - AUGUST 9, 16, 23

Our annual Summer Arts Series =E2=80=98Copper & Fire=E2=80=99 starts = on Sunday August 9 and continues over 3 consecutive Sundays at the BC Museum of Mining. = Each day of our series will feature a variety of arts and entertainment = including; live art demonstrations, the Museum=E2=80=99s 35th birthday = celebration, and a series of concerts in the historic Mill building.=

 =

No = additional entry fees! You enjoy these value added features on top of our already thrilling underground adventure tours. See our Website for = admission rates and details. Special thanks to Heritage Canada and EPCOR for sponsoring this series.

Click here to visit our new = website

 =

3DImage

 =



Sunday August 9

Live = demonstrations by artists using a variety of different mediums. Artists on site = include:

Mixed media sculptor, Byron Anderson
Metal sculptor, Mark Mentiply
Sculptor (stone and wood), Valeri Sokolovski
Ceramic artist, Jenny Smack

3DImage

 =

3DImage


Sunday August 16

The = Museum=E2=80=99s 35th Birthday! Birthday celebrations and activities will be happening = all day including; free balloons, birthday cake, a storyteller, = caricaturist, and fire spinner Laura Scarlette.

 =



Sunday August 23

3DImageThe final day of the = Copper and Fire Summer Arts Series will include live demonstrations by = Judy McQuinn, local stained glass artist; James Grass, metal artist; = and the Burnaby Heritage Blacksmith Association. In addition, from 3 = =E2=80=93 6pm there will be a series of concerts in the historic Mill building that = has recently been completely refurbished and restored. =

 

=




Concert Schedule:

3:00 =E2=80=93 3:45 Iacavone
3:45 =E2=80=93 4:00 Dana-Marie
4:00 =E2=80=93 4:40 Carolyn Grass & friends
4:40 =E2=80=93 5:00 Dana-Marie
5:00 =E2=80=93 6:00 Karen Fowlie Band

 =

=E2=80=9CWe=E2=80=99re thrilled that we were able = to expand the event to three days this summer, and hope that it will continue to grow to = include new forms of art and performance in the future=E2=80=9D -Kirstin = Clausen, Executive Director BC Museum of Mining.

 

3DImage

 =

Our = Partners and Supporters

 =

2009-2010 Corporate Members


5440487 BC Ltd

Almaden Minerals

AME BC

AngloAmerican Exploration

BC Bearing Engineers Ltd.

CWMM


Eagle Mapping

EPCOR

Exeter Resource Corporation

Candente Resource Corp

Eagle Plains Resources

EPCOR


Exeter Resources

Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP

G&T Metallurgical Services Ltd.

Golder Associates Ltd.

Hatch Ltd.

Haywood Securities Inc.


Imperial Metals Corp

Knight Piesold Ltd.

Mining Association of BC

Moly-Cop Canada

Parkwood Construction

Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.


Silver Standard

SRK Consulting

Sumitomo Canada Ltd

TECK

UBC Dept. Electrical &

Computer Engineering

Sincerely, Kirstin Clausen, Executive = Director,
BC Museum of Mining
Britannia Beach, BC
V0N 1J0

 

------=_NextPart_000_0065_01CA176C.4360E1D0-- From JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca Tue Aug 11 20:52:04 2009 From: JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca (Jim Harding) Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:52:04 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] Call to Action: Direct Access Funding Message-ID: <4A816974.16420.24F6CD4B@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca>
Members & Subscribers;

The outcry regarding the "freeze" of Direct Access funding is rapidly growing louder, and may soon be amplified by the pending reported Provincial cuts to operating funding. This "double jeopardy" will be devastating to the province's museums' & art galleries' operations and public programs.

The BCMA has been very active in consulting with our peer cultural & heritage organizations also affected, and to try and obtain "official" disclosure of funding policies.

We now need you to join with other arts & culture, sports and non-profit sectors in a BC-wide letter-writing campaign to protest these cuts and to clearly state the serious repercussions sure to the follow should the Ministry continue with a freeze on Direct Access funding.

And although the number of letters to the Minister, the tone of the protest, and their place of origin will be duly noted, this campaign is a prime opportunity to clearly identify the institutions and far-reaching, diverse programs under threat; and the amount & degree of funding at stake, because it is doubtful the repercussions of such measures are fully understood.

This is a graphic way to illustrate the impact of such tactics.

Our sector needs you to make this campaign your next priority:

1. Write to the Minister responsible:
The Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister,
Ministry of Housing and Social Development
PO Box 9058 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC  V8W 9E2    Email: EIA.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Please CC all of the following:

The Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier
Room 156
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4   Email: premier@gov.bc.ca   

The Honourable Kevin Krueger, Minister,
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
PO Box 9071 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC  V8W 9E9    Email: TSA.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Spencer Herbert, Official Opposition Arts & Culture Critic
MLA, Vancouver-West End
923 Denman Street,
Vancouver, BC  V6G 2L9  Email: Spencer.Herbert.MLA@leg.bc.ca

YOUR MLA (See Legislative Assemby webpage for contact info:

BC Museums Association
#204 - 26 Bastion Square
Victoria, BC  V8W 1H9   Email: BCMA@museumsassn.bc.ca

2. State your opposition to the freeze on Direct Access funding;

3. List (point form) your operating and/or programs (by title) funded by Direct Access & the amount of funding each program receives;

4. How will an indefinite freeze (or elimination) of Direct Access funding hurt your institution, staffing, volunteers, public exhibits & programs, (Do your Direct Access-funded programs also generate earned revenue? Are you a multi-year Direct Access client?)

5. IFyour institution is also a client of annual operating funding assistance from the BC Arts Council, and given the reported, pending Provincial cuts to operating funding as well, how will this freeze on Direct Access funding compound your institution's challenges to operate & service the public over the coming year?

6. Insist on confirmation of the Minister's intent to "unfreeze" or reinstate Direct Access funding & to make an official public commitment as to when these funds will be forthcoming;

7. Post to the BCMA-L listserv a brief confirmation when you have mailed or emailed the Minister.


By articulating how such measures will hurt the sector, this campaign will be supported by the specific, established operations & programs affected and the degree of funding involved.

Please proceed quickly. The BCMA will post its own letter to the website for members and is pursuing a meeting with the Minister, at the earliest possible date.

Thank you for your continued participation and support.

Please keep posting any updates you receive from the BC Gaming Branch regarding your Direct Access applications.
Thank you,
Jim

_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694
 
From lesia.davis@crmuseum.ca Fri Aug 14 22:10:21 2009 From: lesia.davis@crmuseum.ca (Lesia Davis) Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:10:21 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] Re: [Bcma-l] Call to Action: Direct Access Funding References: <4A816974.16420.24F6CD4B@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca> Message-ID: <013e01ca1d23$a29a9120$0d05a8c0@CRMuseum.local> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_013B_01CA1CE8.F6098590 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable ..the attached "Call to Action: Direct Access Funding" addresses well = the freeze on Direct Access funding. Equally and in our case, more = importantly, how best can BCMA also help its members & subscribers = effectively let our Premier and Minister Coleman and Minister Krueger = know that the proposed and tabled budget cuts for arts and culture in BC = could result in many closed doors and layoffs. Would it be best to have = one BC wide letter writing campaign that addresses both issues, with = member organizations highlighting their related effects and = repercussions, as best suits their applications? If we wait for the provincial budget to be unveiled in September that = will be too late to influence any revisions or direction. While Direct = Access funding is project based for most organizations, operating = assistance through the BC Arts Council is crucial operating assistance = to many, as well as providing project assistance and support for our = arts service organizations, such as BCMA. Has the BCMA been able to = confirm tabled gov't figures of intended reductions and/or revisions? =20 It is disheartening that Direct Access funding is 'Frozen' while the = Ministry's proposed Culture and Arts budget is a drastic reduction at a = time when arts and culture could be taking a lead role in economic = stimulus across BC. =20 Lesia Davis, Executive Director Museum at Campbell River ----- Original Message -----=20 From: bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca=20 To: bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca=20 Cc: broadcast@museumsassn.bc.ca=20 Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 12:52 PM Subject: [Bcma-l] Call to Action: Direct Access Funding Members & Subscribers;=20 The outcry regarding the "freeze" of Direct Access funding is rapidly = growing louder, and may soon be amplified by the pending reported = Provincial cuts to operating funding. This "double jeopardy" will be = devastating to the province's museums' & art galleries' operations and = public programs.=20 The BCMA has been very active in consulting with our peer cultural & = heritage organizations also affected, and to try and obtain "official" = disclosure of funding policies.=20 We now need you to join with other arts & culture, sports and = non-profit sectors in a BC-wide letter-writing campaign to protest these = cuts and to clearly state the serious repercussions sure to the follow = should the Ministry continue with a freeze on Direct Access funding.=20 And although the number of letters to the Minister, the tone of the = protest, and their place of origin will be duly noted, this campaign is = a prime opportunity to clearly identify the institutions and = far-reaching, diverse programs under threat; and the amount & degree of = funding at stake, because it is doubtful the repercussions of such = measures are fully understood.=20 This is a graphic way to illustrate the impact of such tactics.=20 Our sector needs you to make this campaign your next priority:=20 1. Write to the Minister responsible:=20 The Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister,=20 Ministry of Housing and Social Development=20 PO Box 9058 Stn Prov Govt=20 Victoria, BC V8W 9E2 Email: EIA.Minister@gov.bc.ca=20 Please CC all of the following:=20 The Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier=20 Room 156 Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 Email: premier@gov.bc.ca =20 The Honourable Kevin Krueger, Minister,=20 Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts=20 PO Box 9071 Stn Prov Govt=20 Victoria, BC V8W 9E9 Email: TSA.Minister@gov.bc.ca=20 Spencer Herbert, Official Opposition Arts & Culture Critic=20 MLA, Vancouver-West End=20 923 Denman Street,=20 Vancouver, BC V6G 2L9 Email: Spencer.Herbert.MLA@leg.bc.ca=20 YOUR MLA (See Legislative Assemby webpage for contact info:=20 MLA Finder - Legislative Assembly=20 BC Museums Association=20 #204 - 26 Bastion Square=20 Victoria, BC V8W 1H9 Email: BCMA@museumsassn.bc.ca=20 2. State your opposition to the freeze on Direct Access funding;=20 3. List (point form) your operating and/or programs (by title) funded = by Direct Access & the amount of funding each program receives;=20 4. How will an indefinite freeze (or elimination) of Direct Access = funding hurt your institution, staffing, volunteers, public exhibits & = programs, (Do your Direct Access-funded programs also generate earned = revenue? Are you a multi-year Direct Access client?)=20 5. IFyour institution is also a client of annual operating funding = assistance from the BC Arts Council, and given the reported, pending = Provincial cuts to operating funding as well, how will this freeze on = Direct Access funding compound your institution's challenges to operate = & service the public over the coming year?=20 6. Insist on confirmation of the Minister's intent to "unfreeze" or = reinstate Direct Access funding & to make an official public commitment = as to when these funds will be forthcoming;=20 7. Post to the BCMA-L listserv a brief confirmation when you have = mailed or emailed the Minister.=20 By articulating how such measures will hurt the sector, this campaign = will be supported by the specific, established operations & programs = affected and the degree of funding involved.=20 Please proceed quickly. The BCMA will post its own letter to the = website for members and is pursuing a meeting with the Minister, at the = earliest possible date.=20 Thank you for your continued participation and support.=20 Please keep posting any updates you receive from the BC Gaming Branch = regarding your Direct Access applications.=20 Thank you,=20 Jim=20 _______________________________=20 Jim Harding, ED=20 BC Museums Association=20 (250) 356-5694=20 _______________________________________________ Bcma-l mailing list = Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l ------=_NextPart_000_013B_01CA1CE8.F6098590 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
..the attached "Call to Action: Direct = Access=20 Funding" addresses well the freeze on Direct Access funding.  = Equally and=20 in our case, more importantly,  how best can=20 BCMA also help its members & subscribers effectively=20 let our Premier and  Minister Coleman and Minister Krueger = know that=20 the proposed and tabled budget cuts for arts and culture in BC could = result in=20 many closed doors and layoffs.  Would it be best to have one = BC wide=20 letter writing campaign that addresses both issues,  with member=20 organizations highlighting their related effects and = repercussions, as=20 best suits their applications?
 
If we wait for the provincial budget to be = unveiled in=20 September that will be too late to = influence any revisions=20 or direction.  While Direct Access funding is project based = for most=20 organizations, operating assistance through the BC Arts Council is=20 crucial operating assistance to many, as well as providing project=20 assistance and support for our arts service = organizations, such=20 as BCMA.   Has the BCMA been able to confirm tabled gov't = figures of=20 intended reductions and/or revisions? 
 
It is disheartening that Direct Access funding = is =20 'Frozen' while the Ministry's proposed Culture and Arts budget is = a=20 drastic reduction at a time when arts and culture could be taking = a lead=20 role in economic stimulus across BC. 
 
Lesia Davis, Executive Director
Museum at Campbell River
----- Original Message -----
From:=20 bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.b= c.ca=20
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 = 12:52=20 PM
Subject: [Bcma-l] Call to = Action: Direct=20 Access Funding

Members=20 & Subscribers;

The=20 outcry regarding the "freeze" of Direct Access funding is rapidly = growing=20 louder, and may soon be amplified by the pending reported Provincial = cuts to=20 operating funding. This "double jeopardy" will be devastating to the=20 province's museums' & art galleries' operations and public=20 programs.

The BCMA=20 has been very active in consulting with our peer cultural & = heritage=20 organizations also affected, and to try and obtain "official" = disclosure of=20 funding policies.

We now=20 need you to join with other arts & culture, sports and non-profit = sectors=20 in a BC-wide letter-writing campaign to protest these cuts and to = clearly=20 state the serious repercussions sure to the follow should the Ministry = continue with a freeze on Direct Access funding.

And=20 although the number of letters to the Minister, the tone of the = protest, and=20 their place of origin will be duly noted, this campaign is a prime = opportunity=20 to clearly identify the institutions and far-reaching, diverse = programs under=20 threat; and the amount & degree of funding at stake, because it is = doubtful the repercussions of such measures are fully understood.=20

This is=20 a graphic way to illustrate the impact of such tactics. =

Our=20 sector needs you to make this campaign your next = priority:=20

1.=20 Write to the Minister responsible:
The=20 Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister,
Ministry=20 of Housing and Social Development
PO Box=20 9058 Stn Prov Govt

Please CC all of the = following:=20

The=20 Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier
Room=20 156
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4   Email: = premier@gov.bc.ca    =

The=20 Honourable Kevin Krueger, Minister,
Ministry=20 of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
PO Box=20 9071 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC  V8W 9E9    = Email:=20 TSA.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Spencer=20 Herbert, Official Opposition Arts & Culture Critic =
MLA,=20 Vancouver-West End
923=20 Denman Street,
Vancouver, BC  V6G 2L9  Email:=20 Spencer.Herbert.MLA@leg.bc.ca =

YOUR MLA (See Legislative = Assemby=20 webpage for contact info:

BC=20 Museums Association
#204 -=20 26 Bastion Square
Victoria, BC  V8W 1H9   = Email:=20 BCMA@museumsassn.bc.ca

2.=20 State your opposition to the freeze on Direct Access=20 funding;

3.=20 List (point form) your operating and/or programs (by title) funded by = Direct=20 Access & the amount of funding each program receives;=20

4.=20 How will an indefinite freeze (or elimination) of Direct Access = funding hurt=20 your institution, staffing, volunteers, public exhibits & = programs,=20 (Do your Direct Access-funded programs also generate earned = revenue? Are=20 you a multi-year Direct Access client?)

5. IFyour institution is also a = client of=20 annual operating funding assistance from the BC Arts Council, and = given the=20 reported, pending Provincial cuts to operating funding as well, how = will=20 this freeze on Direct Access funding compound your institution's = challenges to=20 operate & service the public over the coming=20 year?

6.=20 Insist on confirmation of the Minister's intent to "unfreeze" or = reinstate=20 Direct Access funding & to make an official public commitment as = to when=20 these funds will be forthcoming;

7.=20 Post to the BCMA-L listserv a brief confirmation when you have = mailed or=20 emailed the Minister.


By=20 articulating how such measures will hurt the sector, this campaign = will be=20 supported by the specific, established operations & programs = affected and=20 the degree of funding involved.

Please=20 proceed quickly. The BCMA will post its own letter to the website for = members=20 and is pursuing a meeting with the Minister, at the earliest possible=20 date.

Thank=20 you for your continued participation and support.

Please=20 keep posting any updates you receive from the BC Gaming Branch = regarding your=20 Direct Access applications.
Thank=20 you,
Jim

_______________________________
Jim=20 Harding, ED
BC=20 Museums Association
(250)=20 356-5694
 
_______________________________________________ = Bcma-l mailing list Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca=20 = http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l ------=_NextPart_000_013B_01CA1CE8.F6098590-- From JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca Wed Aug 19 19:27:39 2009 From: JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca (Jim Harding) Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:27:39 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] Direct Access Funds Announcement Message-ID: <4A8BE1AB.3088.4DDC464A@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca> CBC Radio is reporting that Minister Coleman has just announced that Direct Access funds have been "un-frozen" but cautioned that not all "community groups" will get "the whole amount of funding they might expect, and some groups will not get funding at all". We are attempting to secure a copy of an official, more detailed release from the Minister or Public Affairs Bureau. Nothing new has been posted to the governing Housing & Social Development website as of this morning. Members in the process of writing Ministers Coleman and Krueger, as requested to communicate the impact of freezes or cuts to funding, are urged to continue, in view of pending announcements confirming the status of BCAC operating assistance grants. It is important to convey the scope and depth of such impacts on our sector now to help set the stage for continued advocacy efforts and future re- structuring of sector relationships with the Ministry. Please remember to cc the BCMA with your correspondence. Thank you, --Jim _______________________________ Jim Harding, ED BC Museums Association (250) 356-5694 From JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca Tue Aug 25 20:20:36 2009 From: JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca (Jim Harding) Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:20:36 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] Direct Access Update Message-ID: <4A93D714.4964.6CF2CBF2@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca>
The BCMA has been able to secure two official releases from yesterday, regarding Provincial funding. First regarding Direct Access:

>> August 24, 2009
>> Ministry of Housing and Social Development
>> 
>> COMMUNITY GAMING GRANTS AVAILABLE
>> 
>> VICTORIA - As announced last week, the Ministry of Housing and Social
>> Development has lifted the funding freeze for community gaming grants,
>> having completed a review of the program.
>> 
>> Priorities for the remainder of 2009/10 grants will be:
>> * Programs that support low income and disabled British Columbians.
>> * Programs that provide food, shelter and support to at risk individuals.
>> * Programs that support community health services.
>> * Programs that fund nutritional and similar programs in schools for
>>    underprivileged children.
>> * Public safety programs.
>> * A limited number of arts and culture activities.
>> * Community education programs, such as daycares and preschools.
>> * Public community facilities like community halls and recreation
>>    facilities.
>> * Youth and disabled sports.
>> * Non-sport youth groups, such as scouts and cadets.
>> 
>> As in previous years, demand for community gaming grants significantly
>> exceeds the available funding. The Province is fully supporting some of the
>> highest priority organizations. Other organizations will receive less
>> funding than they request so that the maximum number of organizations
>> receive support from community gaming grants. Some projects, such as
>> capital project grants, playground grants and three-year grants, will not be
>> eligible for funding this year.
>> 
>> To date, $53 million has been allocated to gaming grants for 2009/10. The
>> Province considers applications for community gaming grants four times per
>> year. Applicants for this quarter's funding - arts, culture and sports
>> organizations - will be notified of funding decisions in the next two weeks.
>> Applications for the next quarter from public safety organizations and
>> parent advisory committees are due to the Gaming Policy and Enforcement
>> Branch by Aug. 31, and will be considered by Nov. 30, as usual.
>> 
>> More information about community gaming grants is available at:
>> 
>> -30-
>> 
>> Contact:
>> 
>> Seumas Gordon
>> Ministry of Housing and Social Development
>> 250 387-6490
>> 
>> For more information on government services or to subscribe to the
>> Province's news feeds using RSS, visit the Province's website at
>> www.gov.bc.ca < http://www.gov.bc.ca >  < http://www.gov.bc.ca > .


Please keep the BCMA posted of your official notifications. Thanks to those Direct Access clients and other institutions who have written to Minister Coleman. We are in regular contact with other related advocacy efforts in the arts and culture sector, which have confirmed that the combined effect of our "information campaign" has helped.

Please see the following bulletin regarding BCAC Funding Update.
--Jim
_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694
 
From JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca Tue Aug 25 20:31:14 2009 From: JHarding@MuseumsAssn.bc.ca (Jim Harding) Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:31:14 -0700 Subject: [BCMA MBEN] BC Arts Council Funding Update Message-ID: <4A93D992.5485.6CFC8802@JHarding.MuseumsAssn.bc.ca>
Here is the second of two funding updates, received by the BCMA from the
Alliance for Arts in Vancouver and The Professional Arts Alliance of
Greater Victoria [ProArt], our ArtsFutureBC advocacy partners:


NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2009TCA0003-000245
August 24, 2009
 
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
Ministry of Housing and Social Development
BC Arts Council
 
BC ARTS COUNCIL PROVIDES $5.1 MILLION IN GRANT AWARDS
 
VICTORIA - Individual artists and arts organizations across B.C. will
receive $5.1 million in BC Arts Council grants, announced Tourism, Culture
and the Arts Minister Kevin Krueger and Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing
and Social Development today.
 
"This funding is part of the government's continued investment in our
province's vibrant arts and culture community," said Krueger. "The Province
is committed to the long term health of B.C.'s arts sector and recognizes
the key social and economic roles that heritage, arts and culture play in our
society."
 
The council will award 338 grants to individual artists and arts and
cultural organizations representing a range of disciplines including music, visual
arts, literature, theatre and dance. Once the council has notified grant
recipients of their funding allocations, specific details of each award will be
available on the BC Arts Council website, at www.bcartscouncil.ca
< http://www.bcartscouncil.ca >.
 
"One of the BC Arts Council's key goals is to ensure that excellence,
creativity and diversity in BC's arts and cultural sector are recognized
and encouraged," said council chair Jane Danzo. "This funding helps us meet
this goal while enriching artistic practice in communities across B.C."
 
A total of $10.9 million in funding for the 2009/10 Arts Council budget,
which includes this round of grants, has been provided through the Ministry
of Housing and Social Development's Community Gaming Grants program.
 
"Revenues from the Community Gaming Grants program will assist the BC Arts
Council in the provision of this year's grants to artists and arts organisations, and
also reiterate the Province's on-going support for B.C.'s arts community," said
Coleman, whose portfolio also includes gaming.

The BC Arts Council is an independent agency that supports a range of
activities including funding for professional artists and arts organizations,
community initiatives, training and scholarships. Its funding decisions
reflect recommendations that come out of a careful, peer-review process.

Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has provided over $124 million to assist
artists and arts and cultural organizations throughout B.C.
 
-30-
 
Contact: Angie Poss
Communications Manager
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
250 387-2799
 
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the
Province's news feeds using RSS, visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca


To date, provincial associations have not been notified of their operating assistance grants for the current cycle. Normally, the BCMA would have received confirmation of its operating grant by the end of July.
--Jim
_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694