Vibrant neighbourhoods need neighbourhood institutions
VANCOUVER (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories) - OneCity Vancouver today affirmed its support of local neighbourhood artistic and cultural institutions. Cafe Deux Soleils, described by artists as a “refuge for outsiders” and a venue critical to emerging talent, recently closed. To preserve our city’s vibrancy and cultural industries, these institutions must be supported - and we must create many, many more of them.
"The number one complaint I hear from music lovers around the city is that Vancouver has a serious venue shortage,” says Ian Cromwell, City Council candidate, OneCity Vancouver. “It's frustrating and tragic to see the city lose yet another crucial cultural space. OneCity has a plan, developed from city policy and in partnership with artists, organizers, and space operators, that will allow us to protect our venues while increasing opportunities for neighbours to connect through arts and culture."
OneCity Vancouver’s Arts and Culture policy looks to protect existing cultural institutions through commercial tax exemptions and cultural designations. It also looks to redirect Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) to fund studios and exhibition spaces featuring local artists.
But arts and culture is also an industry - and it is not exempt from the pressures and stresses that face all Vancouver businesses. OneCity’s Economic Development platform will make arts and culture businesses much easier to open through a streamlined permitting process featuring automatic approvals.
Building rental and social housing everywhere will also ease the regional labour shortage - making it easier for these venues to hire staff, deliver services, and make our neighbourhoods livable, vibrant, and fun.
Election Day is October 15.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OneCity Vancouver communications committee
