How To Advocate For the Arts After the Elections

Following the 2022 municipal elections, we asked our arts community how they felt about the local results.

Overwhelmingly, people came back with responses and comments filled with worry about the direction their new governments are set to take.

It is important that the needs of the arts and culture sector are heard as we move forward in working with our new governments.

Leading up to the election, the BC Alliance for Arts and Culture, along with its many partners, spearheaded an educational and advocacy campaign called ArtsVote. We wanted to ensure that both our community and our politicians were aware of the challenges and priorities in BC’s arts and culture sector.

Wondering how you can start building on those relationships and advocating for the arts after the elections?

We’ve put together a list of resources to help you navigate the conversations ahead:

• Let’s influence public policy through advocacy - Ontario Nonprofit Network

  A very clear and well designed PDF which gives you seven tips for effective advocacy.

• How to build successful partnerships with local governments - Heritage BC

  Learn how to build a successful culture and heritage organization in partnership with local governments and how to advocate for your institution within a municipal context.

• 2022 Civic Election Advocacy Survey Report - ArtsVote BC

  The ArtsVote Survey Report was made in September 2022, and revealed the specific challenges facing the arts sector in the province.

• BC Local Government 101 - BCMA

  A brief overview of BC’s unique local government system and resources to find and contact your local government representatives.

• Local Government 101 with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs - BCMA

  This podcast discusses everything from “what’s a regional district,” to the importance of building relationships with local government staff, to why local government elections all happen at the same time.

• Advocacy Toolkit: Making the case for your museum - BCMA

  Explore best practices for building positive and lasting relationships with municipal governments and regional districts

If you have any feedback, comments or advice on how the Alliance can better serve your arts and culture community, please write to us at communications@allianceforarts.com