As most of you are aware, Vancouver is set to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Given that, some of you may have already been approached or agreed to play during the games. I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of those residents of Vancouver and British Columbia that will be dramatically burdened by the cost of the games, to make an appeal to all Canadian artists.

First, I want to make clear that I completely understand the attraction of playing during the games and am certainly not suggesting that any Canadian artist or group pass up the opportunity to gain exposure by doing so. That said, and as many of you are aware, the payout involved in such appearances is commonly significant, especially for those of you that command large fees. Thus, what I am about to suggest might not sit well with some of you, or those that represent you that receive percentages of your earnings, but it is something that I am nonetheless compelled to advocate.

The idea is simple. If you agree to perform at the games, and will be receiving a fee to do so, that you donate your earnings to one of Vancouver's numerous charities in a show of solidarity. Again, I am not suggesting that anyone boycott playing during the games, only that any monies received be donated to various community programs to help those in Vancouver, and British Columbia, that will be adversely affected by the long-term economic ramifications.

As a life-long resident of Metro Vancouver I have been opposed to the games since the bidding process, and have written about the issue on my website and elsewhere for some time, including a recent piece for The Guardian's 'Comment Is Free' section.

All of that said, as an artist that has enjoyed the overwhelming support of the people of British Columbia for some 16 years, I think it in the best interest of all Canadian artists to remember that fans, be they here or elsewhere, are the ones that provide us with the opportunity to make a living doing what we do, and that to capitalize on what will assuredly become a massive Provincial tax burden is somewhat of a slap in the face to many in these economically challenging times.

I sincerely hope that some of you will seriously take this proposal into consideration. If you wish to participate, please feel free to contact me directly at matt@matthewgood.org.

My very best,

Matthew Good