on the protests to arts funding cuts in nova scotia

Chop chop Tim! Chop chop!

Alo, dear reader.

Today, in our province, dozens of people are protesting provincial cuts to arts funding.

I, a long time artist, am not participating.

In fact?

I’m quite pleased about the entire situation.

As far back as 2006, I’ve had people in arts organizations comment on the problematic nature of my gender, race and sexuality.

I’m apparently pale, stale and male.

At first it was subtle what we’re really looking for are opportunities to fund underrepresented groups.

This meant, It doesn’t matter if you’re good. The arts exist for social justice, not for supporting a white dude’s livelihood.

Over the course of a decade, I was made to feel less and less welcome with one arts representative saying if you care at all, stop being a progress stopping racist and just get out of the way.

Other artists I knew wrestled with their so called ‘privilege’. They churned with guilt as to whether or not they and their voices should be heard. They found excuses and tokens to like the wealthy of the Middle Ages purchased indulgences from the new police of our cultural revolution.

So while my former colleagues are in the streets protesting, I’m going to make art.

I’ll make art and write a letter thanking our Premier for the work he’s doing enraging this mob of assholes.

And to the arts community of Nova Scotia, I have this to say:

YOU REAP WHAT YOU Sow.

If I’m too problematic to apply, I’m certainly too problematic to protest.

Enjoy the sunshine, you fools!