Posted
We want to acknowledge the recent reduction in Arts Nova Scotia’s funding outlined in the 2026/27 provincial budget, and the uncertainty this creates for artists and cultural organizations across the province.
We understand and share the concerns being voiced across the province in response to this news. For many in our sector, resources are already stretched and further reductions carry real implications. As a board, we are focused on supporting the staff of Arts Nova Scotia as they communicate and implement these changes. We take our responsibility to the staff and to our fellow artists in the sector seriously and are particularly aware of our accountability to the communities who place their trust in this organization.
Nova Scotia’s cultural landscape is diverse and deeply rooted, including Mi’kmaw, African Nova Scotian, Acadian, and many other cultural communities whose artistic contributions shape the life of this province. We are mindful that funding reductions can have uneven impacts across communities, and we are committed to approaching this moment with transparency, fairness, and care.
We will continue to advocate for the importance of sustained public investment in the arts and work to ensure that the impact of these reductions is clearly communicated. We also remain committed to open communication with the sector as we navigate next steps.
Updates will be published on the ArtsNS website artsns.ca/news and our social media channels. We invite you to share the immediate and ongoing impacts of these funding changes with us at ArtsNSBoard@novascotia.ca
Arts Nova Scotia exists because of the artists and communities it serves. That commitment remains unchanged.
Signed,
Sarah O’Toole, Board Chair
Laura Teasdale, Vice-Chair
Megan Johnson, Director
Pamela Edmonds, Director
Lalie Douglas, Director
