The Arts Can Shape the Future of Canada
An open letter to the arts community from Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts
Canadians are looking to the arts like never before. That’s because the arts are uniquely poised to meet today’s challenges.
They’re looking to the arts to help build a stronger economy. They’re looking to the arts to share distinctly Canadian perspectives and values that bring us together, in all our diversity. They’re also looking to the arts to show the world the best of Canada. In other words, Canadians are looking to the arts to shape the future of our country.
And leaders in government, business, and other sectors are picking up on this. In this week’s Speech from the Throne, the federal government committed to protecting institutions that promote Canadian cultures and identity.
In the last few weeks, I’ve been busy meeting with leaders of all kinds about what the arts can bring to the table. In May, I was invited to the meeting of the business leaders of the G7, a first for the Canada Council for the Arts.
I’m writing to you now from the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies’ (IFACCA) World Summit on Arts and Culture. I’m happy to share that I’m a newly elected member of IFACCA’s Board.
I’m also telling the public about the unique contributions of the arts. I’ve recently appeared on the CBC’s All in a Day and on Radio-Canada’s ICI Télé. The more we all put the message out there, the more support we build for the arts in Canada.
What I’m Highlighting About the Arts
Here’s what I’ve been telling people about the arts.
They do something that no other sector can do. The arts make three impressive contributions all at the same time: build the economy, express uniquely Canadian experiences, and improve quality of life and wellbeing.
The arts make a vital contribution to the economy, strengthening communities from coast to coast to coast. The arts and culture grow GDP, create jobs, and encourage spending and tourism. They support vibrant downtowns and neighbourhoods. And a strong arts and culture scene attracts top talent to the local workforce and creates conditions for businesses to flourish.
The arts enrich communities by helping Canadians better understand themselves, exchange ideas, and create connections. Studies show that arts and culture participation strengthens civic engagement and a sense of belonging in Canada.
The arts also show Canada’s strength to the world. And the world deserves more Canadian art because it speaks to the values of an open, diverse, and free country.
Maintaining momentum
The stars are aligned for the arts right now. Canada needs the arts’ unique combination of economic, social, and cultural benefits like never before. A committed public investment in the arts is essential for the sector to make its full contribution to Canada.
My Canada Council colleagues and I recognize how, over the last year, the arts community has come together and worked hard to make the benefits of the arts known far and wide.
We need to keep reminding leaders in our communities across the country about this. The arts sector is ready to show up for Canadians. Let’s make sure it has strong public investment to do its vital work.