Image Credit: Flickr / Province of B.C.

By Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film Bob D'Eith

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Celebrating Creative Industries Week in British Columbia

Apr 26, 2023 | 10:20 AM

BRITISH COLUMBIA’S CREATIVE SECTORS of film, television, animation, visual effects, video games, digital media, music, and book and magazine publishing are full of incredible talent.

Not only do creative industries foster joy, culture, and connection in our communities, but they are also a key part of our B.C. economy, contributing over $5.4 billion to the provincial GDP each year and employing nearly 120,000 people in BC.

Like many other sectors, the creative industries have faced challenges over the past few years with global inflation and the impacts of the global pandemic. That’s why, in honour of Creative Industries Week last week, our government announced an historic $42 million investment over three years. This is the largest one-time investment that the creative sectors in British Columbia have ever seen. This funding not only means that British Columbians can continue to find joy and inspiration in more home-grown art, but it will also help create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Last week at the legislature, we were able to celebrate with an incredible showcase of talent. On Monday, publishers kicked off the week in the Hall of Honour to celebrate B.C. books and magazines, followed by an amazing show Tuesday evening at the Duke Saloon by MusicBC featuring Desirée Dawson, Nicky Mackenzie and XL The Band. Wednesday, Creative BC hosted the creative industries from all over the province in to highlight their amazing talents; even Star Wars’ Grogu and Mando visited! Creative BC’s Wednesday night event featured an incredible performance by international star Jessia. The week was also a great opportunity for our government to have roundtable discussions with people from each sector, to learn how we can best support them in the future.

I know I’m not the only one who loves the feeling of watching a hit movie or television show and recognizing a little piece of Vancouver, the Interior or the Fraser Valley. The film and television sectors here in the province have helped put British Columbia on the map as a premiere filming location and have helped attract tourism to the province.

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It is also important to tell our stories. That’s why $15.9 million of this new funding will enhance the Domestic Motion Picture Fund. British Columbia has incredible talent and skills in storytelling, and this funding will help support domestic motion picture development, production, diversity and sustainability in B.C., and it will also help to ensure that we get our fair share of federal funding for domestic productions.

Music and performance nourish our souls, inspire our next generations, add jobs in B.C. and support businesses through events and festivals. $22.5 million of this funding to Amplify B.C will help provide long-term stability in the music industry, so that we can support artists and people who work in the industry and continue to bring entertainment to our communities.

Another $3 million over the next three years will help support creation, innovation and growth for independent, B.C.-owned companies in the interactive digital media industry including video game development. British Columbia has become a world-class hub for digital entertainment and this funding will help make sure we’re boosting creators right here at home.

British Columbia has the second largest book publishing market in Canada and the publishing industry here in the province is unique, creative, diverse and innovative. Over three years, we’re providing $600,000 to the publishing industry to help address supply chain challenges and inflation and to make sure that B.C. book and magazine publishers can continue to thrive.

Whether reading a B.C. book, playing a video game made here in B.C., watching a show or film in your community, or attending a local event with a B.C. artist, we’ve all been touched by the creative industries here in B.C. Supporting these amazing local artists and innovators has ripple effects that reach our economy, our communities and our hearts. As parliamentary secretary for arts and films, a patron of the arts, and a British Columbian, I am overjoyed that we could make this record investment to help celebrate the sector during Creative Industries Week and beyond.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.