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Urgent actions needed from Wonder’neath stakeholders On Monday, February 23rd, the Provincial Conservative Government released details of a proposed budget for 2026-27. Across a broad range of sectors, the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector is facing the largest proportional cuts. We are writing to share information on these cuts and to urge you to take action NOW to help reverse this proposal. Cuts This budget includes cuts to a myriad of operating, project, individual artist and community funding, including but not limited to: 30% cut in the Individual Artist creation grant 30% cuts in operating and project funding to professional arts organizations 50% cut in the Arts Equity Funding Initiative, an essential resource for equity-seeking artists and groups to create and present artistic work 50% cut to the Diversity and Community Capacity Fund, which supports programming for diversity, cultural expression, and underserved populations The total elimination of the Artists in Communities grant program, Nova Scotia Art Bank purchases, and the Artists in Schools program.
View the full list of proposed cuts here. How will this impact Wonder’neath? Wonder’neath operates on a shoestring budget, and frankly, we are reeling with this devastating news. The proposed cuts will result in a 30% reduction in provincial core funding and the elimination of provincial grant programs that support outreach to children, youth, adults, seniors, and programming targeted towards at-risk and marginalized communities. If the cuts move forward, our budget will be significantly affected and we could face the following impacts: Reduction in core programming: fewer Open Studio, Sketch and Art Biker sessions Introduction of user fees for existing and new programming Reduced staffing across all programs and administration Increased rental and workshop fees for individuals and organizations Increased studio rents for Wonder’neath studio artists Pause of developing initiatives for at-risk youth and seniors Significant risk for the future existence of Wonder’neath
We need your help to reverse these cuts. Now. What can you do? Write to your MLA before March 4th. Access the full letter-writing toolkit here. Fill out the Nova Socita Arts Coalition Survey by March 4th, so we can help make your voices heard. Attend the Culture Rally at the Nova Scotia Legislature Building on Hollis Street on Wednesday, March 4, at 12 pm. There are also regional rallies taking place across the province. Follow the Nova Scotia Arts Coalition for upcoming actions. Encourage your friends, family and co-workers to take these steps as well.
We can reverse these cuts — If we act now and act together.
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