The B.C. Museums Association is sounding the alarm over the precariousness of the culture and heritage sector after the recent closure of two facilities in Victoria.
"Our sector is still remarkably precarious coming out of the pandemic, and without sustained support, we will continue to see more closures," the association said in a posting on its website.
Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens, a national historic site since 1966, is the latest facility to announce its closure. It follows news last month that the Bateman Gallery, on the capital city's inner harbour, had closed its doors.
An undated notice on the Point Ellice House website says it has been unable to secure sustainable provincial funding.
"In 2021, managers of provincially owned heritage sites wrote to the province and indicated that without an increase in operational funding, closure would be likely; we have continued to make that point," the message says. "Unfortunately, that day is now here for Point Ellice House."
The museum association also noted a recent decision by Penticton's city council to halve its annual financial support to the Penticton Art Gallery.
"It matters when museums, galleries and cultural institutions close," the association said, citing the sector's role in helping citizens understand vital histories and supporting local communities and the tourism economy.
"This is not a Victoria-specific problem, organizations across the province are at risk ... the abrupt return to a pre-pandemic status quo threatens the recovery of our sector."
"Post-COVID visitation rates are still sagging, government funding is stagnant, and while our sector has found ways to survive and adapt over the past three years, beloved organizations that touch the lives of tens of millions are standing on the brink."
The association is urging people who care about the heritage and culture sector to contact government representatives with their concerns.