In the face of ongoing cuts to arts groups, the Abbotsford Arts Council will hold a rally for the arts on Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. at City Hall,

Organizers are inviting arts lovers in the community to come support them.

AAC president Charles Wiebe, other AAC members and other local arts organizations will make a presentation to the Abbotsford city council for continued support of the arts in the community.

All the public has to do is show up at the regular council meeting and stand up for the arts community, say organizers.

When Wiebe asks, "Who here supports the arts," audience members are encouraged to simply stand up.

The arts advocates have five minutes to make their presentation and are hoping for as much moral support on this date from the community as possible. The arts - music, art, theatre, and so one - enhances life for residents and benefits business as well, they argue.

Abbotsford's city council meets in the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium at City Hall, at 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford.

To find out more about the Abbotsford Arts Council, see www.abbotsfordartscouncil. com, or follow their comments and news on Facebook.