Summary
ARTSTATUS culminates two years of sectoral research, and presents findings from a mixed-methods study examining equity, access, representation, and systemic barriers within BC’s arts, culture, and heritage sector. The study integrates quantitative survey data from funding and programming organizations, independent artists, people working within the sector, and other stakeholders, with qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with BIPOC artists and cultural workers.
While artists are actively participating in funding and programming systems, these data sources demonstrate that existing structures continue to reproduce inequities, particularly for BIPOC artists. The study reveals a sector characterized by high engagement but uneven access, increased visibility without corresponding power, and strong equity commitments that are inconsistently realized in practice.
With these findings, SEARA will continue to advocate for BIPOC artists and cultural workers by developing policy recommendations for racially-equitable conditions for BIPOC artists and cultural workers, addressing governance, funding and operations.
Alongside this report, we invited four artists and writers, Anju Singh, Laura Morales Padilla, Maya McKibbin, and Odera Igbokwe, to produce original works in response to the findings of ARTSTATUS:
- Anju Singh, Voices, 2026, animated film, 2 min 7 sec.
- Laura Morales Padilla, The Illusion of Inclusion, 2026, 6-page text, 8.5″ x 11″.
- Maya McKibbin, Performance Expression, 2026, 8-page illustrated comic on newsprint, 22.75” x 17”.
- Odera Igbokwe, Mmm Hm, Uh Huh, Eh Heh, 2026, oils and nzu on canvas, 36” x 48”.
Photos by Rea Saxena.
Endorsed by
Project Support
