PACT's Statement on Provincial Arts and Culture Budget Cuts in Nova Scotia

February 27, 2026

The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) joins the Nova Scotia Arts Coalition and its colleagues across the province in expressing their concern and calling on the premier and the Government of Nova Scotia to reverse the devasting cuts to arts and culture in their provincial budget.  

The proposed reductions disproportionately impact the arts and culture sector with cuts to 72 grant programs including youth-focused arts programming and education, grants for professional artists and groups, and budget cuts to organizations that work to support and engage cultural communities across our province.

These cuts will have lasting impacts on employment, tourism, economic development, cultural identity and quality of life across the province. In 2023 alone, Arts, Culture and Heritage contributed $2.6 billion in GDP and supported 22,000 jobs in the province.  For every $1 the Nova Scotia Government contributes in grants, recipients are able to generate $4.59 in other revenues.  At a time with increasing global uncertainty and division, theatres remain essential spaces where people of all ages can come together, be inspired, feel valued and express themselves. These reductions will be felt in communities across the province years to come.

PACT encourages theatre makers, supporters and community members to get involved and contact their member of government. For more information and resources visit: http://www.nsarts.ca   

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