WATCH: OneCity unveils plan to help artists, venues thrive in Vancouver

VANCOUVER — OneCity mayoral candidate William Azaroff has unveiled his party's plan to ensure artists and performers have the funding and spaces necessary to thrive.

The former filmmaker said that, if elected, his government would "legalize DIY arts venues, protect the arts spaces that already exist, and take politics out of how this city funds the artists."

During a press conference on Thursday, Azaroff argued that there's a "missing middle" in Vancouver's arts scene: small venues that are constantly exposed to risk and crackdowns.

He said city hall can "eliminate that uncertainty" via a new "small cultural venue license" category with risk-based safety requirements, and a dedicated "venue navigator" that would assist with compliance.

The second part of Azaroff's plan involves "tak[ing] the politics out of who gets funded" in the arts scene.

Currently, every arts grant that the city hands out must go through council. He vowed to create an "arm's length Vancouver Arts and Culture Council" that would provide grants via peer assessment — something Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton already have.

Azaroff went on to state that existing arts spaces must be protected, and that a "Cultural Space Security Program" would do just that by ensuring such venues are not sacrificed at the altar of development.

"If this city doesn't give people somewhere to find joy and community, they'll find something else," he warned. "It might not be as good for them — and it might not even be in Vancouver."

In addition to performing in venues, artists can showcase their talents on the streets. To do so, however, they must acquire a busking license by filling out paperwork and abiding by a long list of conditions.

When asked about this by Sitka Media, Azaroff said the process must be streamlined to make it more accessible to all.

Azaroff is one of two remaining progressive candidates hoping to be Vancouver's next mayor, the other being the Greens' Pete Fry. The two met on Thursday afternoon to discuss a path forward, which could involve one or the other dropping out to narrow the field.

They have until 4:59pm on September 11 to submit their papers. The election will be held on October 17.