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Letter: Arts getting short shrift in Burnaby

Arts in the city deserve more attention, respect and funding than they are currently getting from city hall.
Burnaby Art Gallery Lisa King
The Burnaby Art Gallery has outgrown its longtime home at Ceperley House, says a reader.

Editor:

Once again it seems that the arts in Burnaby have been left behind with the announcement that the C.G. Brown Memorial Pool and Copeland Arena are to get millions of dollars in upgrades and that the arts are not mentioned at all.

Our aging art gallery in Ceperley Mansion has been in use for 50-plus years and is in serious need of being used for purposes other than as an art gallery. Lack of accessibility and a layout not suitable for those with mobility challenges are calling out for a totally new and modern art gallery facility to bring our art community to an 'on par' level with the fitness and health community in Burnaby.

Past mayors and councils seemingly have not seen any urgency in bringing the arts in Burnaby into the 21st century let alone the 20th century. I had hoped the new mayor and council would have addressed this issue by now but sadly they do not appear to be very concerned.

Burnaby citizens come from all corners of the globe and all have rich histories that are infused with the arts. It must be frustrating that they and their children lack a more supportive and vibrant arts culture here in Burnaby.

Sincerely,

Darcy L. Olson

Burnaby