Advocacy is of critical importance to ArtsLink and its members. We work had to ensure policy-makers understand the economic and social contributions of artists, as well as the challenges they face in living and working in New Brunswick.

Committees and Consultations

We present our members’ concerns at numerous discussions at the provincial, national and international levels, including:

• Maine-New Brunswick Cultural Initiative Taskforce;
• New Brunswick Cultural Human Resources Transition Committee;
• New Brunswick Cultural Policy Renewal Roundtable (2012-2013);
• New Brunswick Cultural Industries Strategy Working Group (2013-2014);
• Arts Day at the Legislature;
• Pre-budget consultations, attendance at provincial budget presentation (2012);
• The Premier’s Taskforce on the Status of the Artist;
• Leaders’ Forum on Arts and Culture (2010); and
• Preliminary discussions on the Premier’s Committee on the Socio-Economic Status of the Artist (2010-2011).

Media and Interviews

2025

• Nipun Tiwari. “South end space for arts and community groups in Saint John could become housing.” CBC NB, 3 June, 2025.
• Iona Coe. “New legislation to protect artists proceeds through the New Brunswick legislature.” Local 107.3, CFMH, Saint John, NB. 23 May, 2025.
• Emily Brasse, (interview with Julie Whitenect, Executive Director of ArtsLink NB). “New Bill to Increase Pay for Artists.” CBC Info Am Saint John, 12 May, 2025.
• John Chilibeck. “New law will help artists make money, give them respect, say supporters.” Telegraph Journal, 12 May 2025.
• Alex Allan. “Artists Could See Fair Pay Under New NB. legislation.” Country 94. 9 May, 2025.
• Alexandre Boudreau. «Pour la première fois sur papier, du point de vue législatif, les artistes existent!» Acadie nouvelle, le 9 mai, 2025.
• Nadia Gaudreau. “Un projet de loi pour reconnaître la profession d’artiste déposé au N.-B.” Radio-Canada, le 9 mai, 2025.
• Anosha Khan. “New Brunswick introduces legislation to make artists a regulated profession.” Law 360. 9 May, 2025.
• Mark Leger. “New Legislation Would Boost Pay for New Brunswick Artists.” CBC NB, 9 May, 2025.
• Melanie Price. “Legislation Introduced in New Brunswick Aims to Protect Artists.” CTV Atlantic, 9 May, 2025.
• Sylvie Mousseau. «Étude sur la main-d’œuvre culturelle au N.-B.: un portrait réaliste et difficile.» Acadie Nouvelle, 6 mai, 2025.
• Katherina Boucher, «Des artistes du N.-B. au revenu « particulièrement faible.» Radio-Canada, 3 mai 2025.
• Martine Blanchard, «Une étude sur la précarité financière des artistes et travailleurs culturels.» Radio-Canada, 1 mai 2025.
• Nipun Tiwari. “Saint John Taking Steps to Protect Public Art Following Destruction of Pedway Mural.” CBC NB, 7 March, 2025.
• Hannah Rudderham. “Destruction of Pedway Mural Left Saint John Artist Feeling Like Her ‘Heart Was Ripped Out.'” CBC NB, 18 February, 2025.
• Vanessa Vander Valk: “Artist Grieves Loss of Public Art Piece.” Shift NB, 18 February, 2025.

Elections

Federal Elections

During election campaigns, we provide resources to help voters focus candidates’ attention on issues of arts funding and support.

In the lead-up to the federal election on April 28, 2025, we supported the Canadian Arts Coalition‘s non-partisan ArtsVote campaign. Go here for details.

Provincial Elections

In the lead-up to provincial elections, we research the party platforms in an effort to find each party’s plans for the arts in NB.

Our guide to the 2024 provincial election is archived here.

And our advocacy document for the 2020 provincial, Arts and Culture and the Provincial Election, is also still available.