Advocacy & Policy

Advocacy is of critical importance to ArtsLink and its members.

We work hard 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 & Consultations

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

Arts Day on the Hill (2024, 2025)
NB Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (2024)
Transition Committee for the Premier’s Taskforce on the Status of the Artist (2021- present)
Pre-budget consultations, attendance at provincial budget presentation (ongoing);
Maine-New Brunswick Cultural Initiative Taskforce (2013-2023);
New Brunswick Cultural Human Resources Committee (2014-2016);
New Brunswick Cultural Industries Strategy Working Group (2013-2014);
New Brunswick Cultural Policy Renewal Roundtable (2012-2013);
Arts Day at the Legislature (2011, 2012, 2014, 2017);
Premier’s Taskforce on the Status of the Artist (2013-2021);
The Premier’s Taskforce on the Status of the Artist;
Leaders’ Forum on Arts and Culture (2010);
Preliminary discussions on the Premier’s Committee on the Socio-Economic Status of the Artist (2010-2011).

Media & Interviews

2026

Coe, Iona. “New accreditation aims to protect and support New Brunswick artists.” 26 May, 2026. Local 107.3FM.
Martine Blanchard. “Des accréditations professionnelles pour les artistes du N.-B.” 25 May, 2026.Radio-Canada Acadie.
Del Salto, Katherine. “N.B. artists gain more labour protections.” 24 May, 2026. Your Saint John dot ca.
Cowie, Briana. The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick. “Salisbury and UMNB celebrate the first inaugural Cultural Policy.” March 20, 2026.
Anna Mandin. “N.B. budget: Cuts to culture funding would have ‘profound impact,’ advocates say.” March 12, 2026. Global News at 6.
Murphy, Bob. “Panel to discuss the role of arts programs in Maritime communities with Chris O’Neill in NS, Megan Stewart in PEI and Julie Whitenect in NB.” March 11, 2026. Maritime Noon with Bob Murphy, CBC Radio 1.

Publications & Reports

ArtsLink NB conducts and collaborates with partners on sector research, translates key documents, and develops resource guides.

Root Words: An anthology of arts writing on New Brunswick artists, (2025)
Evolving the Creative Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis of New Brunswick’s Arts and Culture Workforce (April 2025)
Impacts and Challenges of Cultural Venues in New Brunswick (Dec 2024)
Creating a Common Vision: Issues and recommendations for K-12 arts education in New Brunswick (2019)
ArtsLink NB’s Annual Report: 2024-2025

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.