Politics in The Arts- Are Canadians Concerned With Art Funding?

During the Federal elections [circa 2011 Ed], it became clear that the Canadian public interest in an arts and cultural policy had declined since 2008, in fact the majority responded that this policy was unimportant to them in comparison to other policies. This leads me to question the degree of concerns Canadians do have with other policies. Perhaps the overall concerns are too great to allow a focus on more fun or abstract facets of their Canadian lifestyle such as arts and culture, or it may simply be that Canadians overall would rather engage with more mainstream topics.

It is interesting yet disconcerting to see that it is mainly the younger population, ages 18-30, that are the least interested in the arts and culture policy. If the younger generation doesn’t fuel the arts and keep them flourishing who will? In their (or our) defense though, little awareness about the policy and its impact is made known. Personally, I had never heard of an arts and cultural policy before reading the article critiquing the different Government parties’ role in the policy as discussed in The Arts Advocate publication.

The policy involves the government allotted a specific percentage of taxes that go towards varying sectors within the arts, for example advantages for artists or funding for different organizations. Each federal party has their different views on appropriate expenditure in the arts and culture sector, and specifically our Conservatives’ main commitment is to the children’s artistic activity tax credit, support to the Royal Conservatory of Music for a national examination program, and support to the Canadian Periodical Fund (Used to subsidize newspapers not including The Silo. Check the info box found on the bottom of page 2 in most papers to see if you are subsidizing their bottom line- CP).

With the Conservative party now being back in power, it is hard to say if the policy will see any positive growth. Although I understand and admire Harper’s plan to stabilize and improve the markets in the depths of a global recession, I feel it necessary to include arts and culture as a part of this. Canada has such a unique combination of cultures throughout its provinces and these are the people who create and work at the jobs Harper is trying to develop or advance.

So, should not this rich arts and culture naturally be showcased as it is echoed throughout the Canadian business world Harper is focused on? I believe Canadians on the whole would appreciate more recognition for their creative efforts that make our country special. Yes we need economic growth, but there needs to be a balance in the funding between businesses and the arts in order to make for a balanced country and to account for or showcase the people who inhabit it.

It is positive to note that the 2011 Ontario budget indicated spending at Tourism and Culture would grow $76 million.

The estimates confirm that $47 million of this is to continue support of the Community Cultural Fund (used to support local ‘big crowd’ draws such as last year’s Port Dover Marine Festival- http://www.ocaf.on.ca/en/project.aspx?ProjectUID=985 or 2005’s Norfolk County Fall Festival- http://www.ocaf.on.ca/en/project.aspx?ProjectUID=884 -CP), the small-scale (!) capital program administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support diverse cultural organizations. As well, the Ontario Media Development Corporation will be permanently funded, showcasing the province’s commitment to the film sector of the policy and estimates show an increase of $8 million to $25.8 million. Although the Conservative platform for the policy is the most bleak of the Bloc Quebecois, Liberal, and NDP, perhaps a strengthened economy will help to account for areas our country’s arts and culture are struggling in.

In their platform it is stated that our “Government believes that a vibrant cultural, media, and sporting sector is crucial for our well-being and quality of life,” however many artists and cultural advocates still feel that the re-elected Conservatives will fall short in fulfilling the essential aspects of the policy and hearing the voices of those affected.  For the Silo, Jennifer Waslowski.

 

 

One thought on “Politics in The Arts- Are Canadians Concerned With Art Funding?”

  1. BRANT ART NEWS
    Dave Levac, MPP for Brant had the distinct honour of announcing funding for the arts community in
    Brant. The Ontario Arts Council awarded 3 organizations and 20 individuals a total of $150,000 in
    grants to promote the arts in Brant.

    The arts play a vital role in Ontario’s communities, enhance overall quality of life and deliver
    significant economic benefits. Ontario’s arts, culture and heritage sector represents $27.7 billion or
    4.1 per cent of the province’s GDP and almost 302,000 jobs.

    MPP Dave Levac recognized the following recipients of 2015-16 Ontario Arts Council grants:
     Woodland Cultural Centre received $67,210 for Aboriginal Arts, Multi and Inter-Arts Projects
     Cheri Maracle received $15,000 for Aboriginal Arts Projects
     Alicia Elliott received $10,500 for Writers’ Reserve
     Naomi Martin received $8,629 for Aboriginal Artists in Schools
     Alexander McLeod received $8,500 for Popular Music
     Lacey Hill received $8,500 for Popular Music
     Derek Martin received $7,800 for Aboriginal Artists in Schools
     Tahnee Kahsenniyo Williams received $5,000 for Word of Mouth
     Melissa A. General received $5,000 for Visual Artists
     Shields, Johnston & Fielding received $4,300 for National and International Touring
     Alejandro Arauz received $1,500 for Exhibition Assistance
     Kendra Burning, Justin General, Trish Patrick, and Kimberly White each received $500 for
    Aboriginal Artists Materials and Supplies Assistance
     Mike Tutt received $500 for Exhibition Assistance

    QUOTES
    “I believe art has the power to transform our community. That is why I am so proud of the twentythree
    individuals and organizations in the riding of Brant who recently received Ontario Arts Council
    grants. Together let’s make Brant the best place to work, play, live and create!
    – MPP Dave Levac

    QUICK FACTS
     For more than 50 years, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has played a vital role in promoting
    and assisting the development of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians. In
    2015-16, the Ontario Arts Council funded 1,676 individual artists and 1,125 organizations in
    209 communities across Ontario for a total of $50.5 million.
     Studies show Ontarians believe culture is integral to their quality of life. A 2010 study by
    Environics Research reveals that a resounding 95% of Ontarians believe the arts enrich the
    quality of our lives. A further 89% believe that if their community lost its arts activities, people
    living there would lose something of value.
     The economic impact of Ontario’s arts and culture tourism is substantial. In 2010, arts and
    culture tourist spending contributed $3.7 billion to Ontario’s GDP, as well as approximately
    67,700 jobs, $2.4 billion in wages, and $1.7 billion in taxes (including $3.1 million for Ontario
    municipalities), according to a report prepared by Research Resolutions & Consulting Ltd.
    For more information, please contact Dave Levac’s office at 519-759-0361. (Please mention the Silo when contacting)

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