Over the past few days we have seen an incredible mobilization of craftspeople and artists. All are concerned over the cuts to arts funding at the post-secondary level and in particular cut to the textile arts programs at Capilano University.

Students have begun shrouding public works of art in black fabric as a sign of protest.

There is an online petition HERE which has already grown rapidly.

A facebook page has been started:
https://www.facebook.com/CapUArtEviction

and a web site gives additional information
http://savecapstudioarts.webs.com/


Vancouver's news media have picked up the story and have ran the following features:

NorthShore News
Programs fall under the axe at Capilano U

CBC News
Programs cut as Capilano University faces $1.3M shortfall

Vancouver Sun
Capilano University plans program cuts to balance budget

If you have an opinion on the cuts to the textile arts programs here is a list of politicians to contact:

North Vancouver Seymour Mla- Jane Thornthwaite – BC Liberal Party
E-Mail: jane.thornthwaite.mla@leg.bc.ca

North Vancouver Lonsdale Mla - Naomi Yamamoto – BC Liberal Party
E-Mail: naomi.yamamoto.mla@leg.bc.ca

West Vancouver Capilano Mla - Ralph Sultan – BC Liberal Party
E-Mail: ralph.sultan.mla@leg.bc.ca

West Vancouver Garibaldi Mla - Joan Mcintyre – BC Liberal Party
E-Mail: joan.mcintyre.mla@leg.bc.ca

Minister of Education: Honourable Don Mcrae
E-Mail: educ.minister@gov.bc.ca

Our thanks to Jennifer Love, BC Representative for the Surface Design Association, for keeping us in the loop and sending on much of this information.