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Resignation of B.C. Arts Council's chairwoman over provincial government cuts in arts funding may draw attention to a crisis expected to worsen in the coming year.

That was the response Wednesday from local arts representatives over news that Jane Danzo had stepped down in protest.

“The kinds of policies and decisions coming out of government have been devastating to arts organization and the arts industry, and she can't accept it,” said Kathy Humphries, manager of the Kamloops Symphony. “I think it's good she's done this.”

Danzo submitted her resignation Monday to Lori Wannamaker, deputy minister of tourism, culture and the arts. On Tuesday, she released her letter outlining her reasons to MLA Kevin Krueger, the minister responsible.

She said the government did not respond to the recommendations of its own committee on finance and governmental services regarding the restoration of BCAC funding.

“The devastating impact of that decision is now being felt by artists and arts organizations throughout the province as they receive notification of substantial cuts to their core funding,” Danzo wrote.

The council wasn't consulted when the province diverted reduced arts funding into the Arts Legacy Fund, an Olympics-related fund.

The BCAC is supposed to be an advocate for the arts but this is “virtually impossible” because it relies on government funding and staff, Danzo noted.

“It's horrible she had to do that, but good for her,” said Caroline Dick, president of the Kamloops Arts Council. The KAC is part of the provincial body.

Two years ago the KAC received what was labelled a “bonus grant.”

“What they didn't tell us was that this was how much would be cut the next year,” Dick said. “We held onto our money, which was a good thing because there are arts councils around the province that are folding right now.”

Humphries said the KSO has weathered the cuts so far, having lost $16,000 in operating funds to date, but next year the crunch comes.

“It's going to be devastating,” because that's when gaming grants dry up. That will mean the loss of a total of $100,000 to the KSO, or about 12 per cent of its annual budget. Even community fundraising would be hard pressed to make up the shortfall, she said.

“Government received the message, no question, but for some reason they're not responding. It doesn't seem to be what communities across the province wants at all.”

Danzo did offer faint praise to Krueger for advocating on behalf of the arts. The MLA is on holidays and could not be reached for comment Wednesday.