We lead Greater Vancouver’s arts and culture community by advocating for our sector, facilitating connections within the arts and with other sectors.

Values and principles
The following points explain what we believe and value, as well as how we conduct our business.

Arts and culture in society
1. Arts and culture are woven into our society’s fabric, contributing vitally to our health and well-being. This fact gives rise to the following principles:

• Any act to support or recognize arts and culture’s essential nature enhances our society’s energy and productivity;
• Any act to reduce support for arts and culture depletes our society’s energy and productivity;
• Arts education helps people to understand and function in the world. Students should receive an education in the arts as early as possible, and they should be given the resources to continue studying the arts throughout their lives;
• Professional and nonprofessional art production has value to our society;
• All members of society should have access to and respect for the diversity of art making, as we live in a varied, multicultural society.

2. A society that promotes free public debate is responsible, flexible, and just. All levels of government should permit and support artistic production that questions the status quo.

3. Artists have specific needs and working conditions necessary to pursue their art practice. Government legislation should recognize and reflect artists’ special needs, as these individuals contribute greatly to our society.

4. Artistic excellence requires innovation, risk taking, and experimentation.

5. Arts and culture activities help people participate in community. These services also encourage a mutual responsibility to preserve, sustain, and promote art.

Operations and governance
1. We operate in a fiscally responsible manner.

2. Our advocacy efforts serve the best interests of our membership. When different points of view exist within the arts and culture community, we share research and encourage dialogue on the issues, so our members may make more informed decisions and comments.

3. We support the independence of arts and culture organizations when asked to represent this community to all levels of government.

4. We welcome diverse arts and culture groups and individuals as members.

Frequently asked questions about the Alliance

Here are some questions people frequently ask us about our organization. If the information you seek doesn’t appear below, call us at 604-681-3535 for answers to your questions.
Q: What is the Alliance for Arts and Culture?
A: We are a not-for-profit, umbrella organization, which serves the arts and culture community in Greater Vancouver. In 1986, our society was established to create a strong, unified voice for the local cultural sector and a vehicle for collective action. Today, our alliance leads Greater Vancouver’s arts and culture community by advocating for our sector, facilitating connections within the arts and with other sectors, and providing information to and about our community. We strive towards an environment that recognizes, respects, and responds to the contribution our sector makes to society’s well-being.

Q: What programs and services does the Alliance offer?
A: Our activities focus on three areas: advocacy, connections, and information. Within these areas, we provide numerous programs and services for both members and nonmembers. For more information, visit our "what we do" section.

Q: How do I join the Alliance for Arts and Culture?
A: Membership is open to all organizations and individuals who have an interest in arts and culture. Annual membership fees are set on a sliding scale based on an organization’s operating budget. Visit our membership page for more information.

Q: What is the SEARCH Program?
A: SEARCH is a hands-on program that helps artists and cultural workers learn how to create more sustainable incomes through employment and self-employment.

Annual Reports

The 20th Annual General Meeting of the Alliance for Arts and Culture was held on Wednesday, June 28, 2006.

The following business was considered by the membership:

1. Report by the directors to the members

2. Report by management to the members

3. Presentation of the Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements

4. Appointment of the auditors for 2006

5. Election of the 2006 - 07 Board of Directors

View the 2006 Annual Report

View the 2005 Annual Report

View the 2004 Annual Report

Last Updated: Thursday, June 28, 2007