Warm reception for the Arts on Parliament Hill

Members of the Canadian Arts Coalition from communities across Canada gathered in Ottawa Thursday, November 4th to participate in over 100 scheduled meetings with Members of Parliament to discuss the key role arts investment plays in the economic and social health of Canada.

Participants presented two key priorities:

Increased investment in the Canada Council for the Arts by $30 million annually over 4 years and;

$25 million in new investment for international market access and development initiatives.

Members of Parliament across all parties were receptive to the messages and many expressed interest in learning more about arts activities in their ridings. One Arts Day participant remarked that “This was a great opportunity to gather together with colleagues across artistic disciplines and carry a common message to parliamentarians.”
 
Members of the Coalition Steering Committee met with Heritage Minister James Moore who praised efforts to raise awareness about arts and culture sector priorities on the Hill.

“We were very encouraged that the Minister was receptive to this conversation” said Coalition spokesperson Shannon Litzenberger. “He acknowledged the important work of the Canada Council for the Arts and expressed an interest in gathering new ideas from the sector regarding a revitalized and multi-faceted cultural diplomacy strategy.”
 
The Coalition is committed to working with Minister Moore and MP’s across all parties going forward.
 
Arts Day is an important means to maintain a positive dialogue with parliamentarians. The arts community’s ability to speak with one voice on two shared priorities contributed greatly to the success of the day.  
 
The Canadian Arts Coalition is a collaborative non-partisan movement spearheaded by a group of national arts service and membership organizations. We are united in the belief that the future of our citizens, their towns and cities and the nation itself depends on a rich, vibrant and diverse arts and heritage community. Since its inception, the CAC has successfully lobbied for increased support for the arts through the Canada Council for the Arts and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

See pictures of the Hill Day on our Facebook page.