Below is a copy of the email we sent to our MLA Trevor Boudreau, along with his office’s reply that he is willing to meet. Some of the cuts have been restored but not for the arts, so there are things to discuss. If you are part of our Alliance or just concerned, your comments are welcome. If you would rather email us, we’re at info@richmondartistsalliance.ca

Our email:

March 2026

Mr. Trevor Boudreau

Member of the Legislative Assembly

Richmond County

Dear Mr. Boudreau,

The Richmond Artists Alliance is one year old. We formed fast because the need was already there. Artists and craftspeople across the county wanted to connect, to share what they know, to break their isolation of living in a sparsely populated area. We now have 63 members, excellent attendance at all our events, and many programs in the works, including ones for children, seniors, and newcomers. All of this says something about Richmond County and what it needs.

Richmond County is not Halifax. There is no redundancy, no network of institutions to absorb the loss when opportunities evaporate. Our members tell us time and again that making art and spending time with other artists keeps them well. Participation in groups like ours reduces isolation, supports mental health, and keeps people functioning in their communities. In other words, it keeps people out of the health system in the first place. Cutting funding to arts and culture to save the health system is just bad math.

Groups like ours were finally recovering from COVID — not just financially but in terms of audience habits and volunteer energy. How quickly our membership grew attests to the readiness of people to gather again. These cuts are a devastating second blow to us and our fellow arts groups.

Then there is the poor timing. Canadians are travelling at home right now in ways they haven’t in years. Maybe ever. Richmond County has something real to offer — and now is the moment to support it. Our first gallery in D’Escousse was getting noticed and bringing in income for our artists and craftspeople. It has been closed since December but reopens on Mother’s Day. Other venues we hope to develop will get even more tourist attention. But it takes support, in particular, our government’s support. These cuts strip that support away at the exact moment we are getting started.

We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you directly, and formally invite you to attend a general meeting of the Richmond Artists Alliance, where our members have the chance to hear how you intend to represent their interests on this matter.

Sincerely,

The Richmond Artists Alliance

Richmond County, Nova Scotia

MLA Trevor Boudreau’s office’s reply.

Hello Mr. Nadon,

I received a response from MLA Boudreau regarding your email. He would like to meet and has asked if you could please provide some dates that would work best for you and/or the group to meet with him. Please send a few dates and times that would work best and I will find out what is mutually agreeable.

Thank you,

Colette

Colette Orfeo

Constituency Coordinator for

MLA Trevor Boudreau, Richmond County

10095 Grenville St., Unit 9

St. Peters, NS, B0E 3B0