Join us for the launch of our Culture Days activity!

Water for Life: An African Photo Exhibit Please join us for the opening reception of Water for Life: An African Photo Exhibit. This exhibition tells the story of the global water and sanitation crisis though the camera lens of internationally renowned and award-winning photographer, Peter Bregg. Water for Life is presented by WaterCan, a leading Canadian water charity dedicated to fighting global poverty.   As part of Culture Days and the fantastically successful Art After Dark, we are pleased to welcome photographer Peter Bregg to speak about his experiences in Africa on Thursday, September 23 at 7pm in the Davies Lounge of the Grand Theatre.   Please RSVP to Julie Fossitt by September 13 to jfossitt@cityofkingston.ca or 613.546.4291 ext. 1143.   We look forward to celebrating with you on September 23!   Sincerely,   Julie Fossitt, Marketing Administrator City of Kingston Cultural Services Water for Life: An African Photo  Exhibit   Photo by: Peter Bregg, Wakiso District, Uganda Water for Life: An African Photo Exhibit tells the story of the global water and sanitation crisis through the camera lens of internationally renowned and award-winning photographer Peter Bregg. Please join us as we bring this important global development issue to your doorstep.   The exhibit, featuring forty compelling images taken during Peter Bregg's travels to WaterCan project sites throughout eastern Africa, celebrates the spirit of community and the power of clean water and sanitation to change the lives of children, families and entire communities. Water for Life: An African Photo Exhibit Opening: September 23, 7-10pm as part of Art After Dark Culture Days: September 25 and 26, 12-5pm September 27 to October 6, 2-5pm daily Grand Theatre 218 Princess St. Admission is free Look for satellite presentations at our partner locations including Kingston Frameworks, The Kingston Sustainability Centre and the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Calvin Park Branch.

Be a vital part of Kingston’s first annual Multicultural Arts Festival!

To make this event a big success we will need the precious help of volunteers.

There are many rewarding opportunities in the different sections of the Festival.
Your contribution will make an outstanding footprint in this first celebration of diversity in Kingston!

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please send an email to Alejandra at alejandrap@iska.kchc.ca, stating your name and your availability for September 25. We will also require your attendance for two *volunteer team meetings* prior to the Festival. These meetings will be held on Thursday, September 9 at 5:30pm and Tuesday, September 21 at 5:30pm; both at ISKA.

… And follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=141445749222539&ref=mf <http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/event.php?eid=141445749222539&ref=mf>

CFA Invitation for Kingston Holiday Fayre

~ ~  ~  CALL FOR ARTISTS  ~ ~ ~   Aurora Dokken of the Upper Canada Academy of Performing Arts invites artisans from the Kingston Arts Council to apply to participate in the Kingston Holiday Fayre to be held on December 3rd through 5th at the Academy. Applications are available by email from Robert at info@kingstonsoap.com. Location: Upper Canada Academy of Performing Arts at 260 Brock St., corner of Brock and Clergy. Date & Time: December 3rd will be a VIP invitation only event where artisans can invite their best clients/customers etc. to the show for a pre-show sales and wine & cheese tasting. December 4th & 5th will be open for the general public, 10am to 4pm.  Display Sizes & Prices: Full space (8'X8') is $75 and a half space is $45. There is no admission charge for the public, but non perishable food items are requested for the food bank and other charities.

Academy Gallery Show Opening - Thursday Sept 2

Honest Labour - September 3rd to the 12th, 2010

Works of art inspired by the labours of man. Open noon to 5:00pm daily

 Introducing the art work of Sandra Goldie, the new curator at the Academy Gallery, as well as Mile Murtanovski's watercolour en plastique Vintage Cars and the architecturally inspired geometrics of Janice Teare. Reception Thursday September 2, 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

 

 Reception Thursday September 2, 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Hope to see you there,

JT

 

 

Update Profile / Unsubscribe

'Hooked' women confront addictions to Hitler, murder, drugs, sex and alcohol

Look what's new from Kingston WritersFest

'Hooked' women confront addictions to Hitler, murder, drugs, sex and alcohol

Kingston poet Carolyn Smart's latest collection of poems, Hooked, takes on the remarkable voices of seven famous and infamous women, each beset by obsession and addiction. Now, Smart's good friend and actress Nicky Guadagni, under the direction of Layne Coleman, transforms the poems into an unforgettable theatrical evening at Kingston WritersFest.

Nicky Guadagni brings Zelda Fitzgerald, Unity Mitford and other obsessed women to life

Toronto actress Nicky Guadagni recognized the stage potential of Hooked the moment she read it. "I had an unmistakable attack of greed. I wanted to play all those seven women and say every one of those words." "Everyone has a hook," says Smart, author of 5 books of poetry and winner of the CBC Literary Contest. "It only takes emotion to reveal it."

Hooked: A Theatrical Performance Thursday, September 23, 2010 8:00 - 9:30 pm Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront Islandview Room Tickets $12.50 available at The Grand Theatre Box Office For tickets call 613-530-2050 or visit www.kingstongrand.ca/writersfest

Find out more about Kingston WritersFest 2010! For author profiles, events listings, ticketing information and more, visit www.kingstonwritersfest.ca. Tickets on sale August 12 at the Grand Theatre Box Office, in person, by phone (613.530.2050) or online at  www.kingstongrand.ca/writersfest. Please join us on Facebook.

Kingston WritersFest
130 Johnson Street
Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 1X8

Sweet Folk All Sunday Aug 29th

Kingston's live acoustic music Folk Club
(est.10'87)
Sweet Folk All

totally unplugged - open stage - no cover… ever!

RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, 3rd floor

Sunday Aug 29^th 2010

ALL OPEN … ALL DAY!

Springer Market Square, 10:00am to 4:00pm
charity fundraising 'BUSKATHON'  in support of Kingston's unique
Instrument Library, Joe's M.I.L.L.( www.joesmill.org )  
Just show up, sign-up … & play!

RCHA Club, 8:00pm to 11:00pm
open stage all night
Just show up, sign-up … & play!

 

Please note: There will be no Sweet Folk All Sunday September 5th, Labour Day weekend, but we do have the incredible Terry Tufts coming in for our Equinox Special on September 19th…!

The cut 'n' paste "what's on" noticeboard:

Fri Aug 27	The Gertrudes CD release party w/ special guests	Wolfe Isalnd Grill	7:30pm	Donations to the Pakistan Relief Fund
Sat Aug 28	Chris Brown & Kate Fenner	The Mansion
Wed Sep 1	Jon McLurg & Friends	RCHA	7-10pm
Thur Sep 2	Brian Flynn &  guests	RCHA	8-11pm
Sat Sep 4	(three of the orig. four...) The Ones - the 'rockier' side of Tracie Morgan!	RCHA	8:00pm
Sat Sep  4	Celtic Jam & singalong	Ben's Pub 105 Clergy St.	8:00pm	Donation appreciated
Wed Sep 8	Jon McLurg & Friends	RCHA	7-10pm
Thur Sep 9	Brian Flynn &  guests	RCHA	8-11pm

Attn: musicians/promoters -
to get your folksie gig on the cut'n'paste board, send details two weeks prior to event to:
sweetfolkstuff@hotmail.com

 

 

 

KING'S TOWN PLAYERS PRESENT ...

King's Town Players PRESENT

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)

 

Kingston, August 23, 2010 – Kingston's newest theatre company, the King's Town Players, are proud to announce their upcoming inaugural production: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. All of Shakespeare's 37 plays, with the sonnets thrown in for good measure, are compressed into one hilarious show. In under two hours, every play by the Bard will be performed by just three actors: Kingston theatre veterans Clayton Garrett, Steven Spencer and Zorba Dravillas. Directed by another veteran of the Kingston stage, Krista Garrett, these three will pull on their tights and deliver all of the Shakespeare's work with humour, energy and help from the audience.

 

The members of the cast and crew of The Complete Works are incredibly excited to be opening the King's Town Players first season. As director Krista Garrett says, "The Complete Works has been my decade-long love affair and I'm thrilled to be lending my twisted take to this production."

 

It's been said of The Complete Works that "If you like Shakespeare, you'll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you'll love this show!"

 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) runs from September 14 to 18 at 8:00 PM, with a special matinee on Saturday, September 18 at 2:00 PM,

at Convocation Hall in Theological Hall, Queen's University.

 

Tickets are $20 ($17 for students and seniors) and are available at the Grand Theatre Box Office

(218 Princess Street, 613-530-2050, www.kingstongrand.ca ).

A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door.

 

For more information on the King's Town Players, our premiere season and for directions to Theological Hall, please visit our website at www.kingstownplayers.com .

 

Media, for additional information, please contact

 

Krista Garrett

email: krista@kingstownplayers.com

phone: 613-331-3838.

 

 

 

Cathedral Children's Choir

The Children's Choir of St. George's Cathedral begins a new term on Friday September 17th from 4:15pm to 5:15pm. The choir provides a fun, friendly, safe environment for boys and girls aged 7 to 13 to sing together. We rehearse on Fridays after school, and sing monthly on Sunday morning, as well as other special services. The fun and fellowship of singing together is augmented by the occasional party and other special events. Located in the heart of downtown Kingston (at the corner of King and Johnson Streets), the Cathedral's beautiful architecture and superb acoustics make it an ideal environment for singing. Visit www.stgeorgescathedral.on.ca or contact the Director of Music, Michael Capon at 613-548-4617x23 or organist@stgeorgescathedral.on.ca. Come sing with us!

Upcoming Flying-V Productions Concerts

Sunday Aug 29th The New Pornographers with P.S I love you
@ The Alehouse tickets avail at Brian's Record Option/The Grad Club/The Brass or http://www.ticketmaster.ca/ doors 8pm 19+

Friday Sept 17th Wintergloves @ The Grad Club
tickets available at The Grad Club/Tri colour outlet or http://www.ticketscene.ca/ doors 9pm 19+

Saturday Sept 18th Forrest City Lovers @ The Grad Club
tickets available at The Grad Club/Tri colour outlet or http://www.ticketscene.ca/ doors 9pm 19+

Friday Oct 15th Bruce Peninsula with Ghostkeeper @ The Grad Club tickets available at The Grad Club/Tri colour outlet or http://www.ticketscene.ca/ 19+ doors 9pm

Saturday Oct 16th Jason Collett with Daniel Romano @ The Grad Club tickets available at The Grad Club/Tri colour outlet or http://www.ticketscene.ca/ 19+ doors 9pm

Wednesday Oct 20th STARS with Young Galaxy @ The Sydenham Street United Church Doors 7:30pm ALL AGES tickets available at The Grad Club/Brian's Record Option/Tri-colour outlet and http://www.ticketscene.ca/

Friday Oct 29th The Wooden Sky with Yukon Blond @ The Grad Club tickets available at The Grad Club/Tri-colour outlet or http://www.ticketscene.ca/

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival Saturday September 25th, 2010

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

Saturday September 25th, 2010
Confederation Park, Kingston
11 am – 6 pm

Immigrant Services Kingston and Area (ISKA) and Kingston Immigration
Partnership (KIP), as part of Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), are
proud to announce the upcoming Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival, to be held September
25th in Confederation Park, in historic downtown Kingston. ISKA and KIP are proud to
organize an event that will showcase the rich tapestry of cultures that make Kingston vibrant,
and promote our city as a diverse place to live, work and play. This family-friendly festival will
include music and dance performances, an international marketplace, a language learning
village, arts and crafts activities, and educational displays and speakers. It will be an
opportunity for all to learn about the different people and cultures that call Kingston home.
KCHC thanks the City of Kingston and Citizenship and Immigration Canada for their generous
support. KCHC also extends thanks to the Festival organizing committee, that includes a
number of local multicultural and arts groups, as it is their commitment and partnership that
is making this exciting new Festival possible.

Mark your calendars – the world comes to Kingston September 25th!
For more information, please contact:

Scott Clerk (scottc@iska.kchc.ca 613-888-8088) or Ekta Singh (ektas@kchc.ca 613-542-2949)

The Gertrudes CD Pre-Release Party - Fri Aug 27 @ The Wolfe Island Grill

The Gertrudes' 

CD Pre-Release Party!

Friday August 27 2010 7:30pm

To Celebrate their new CD, Dawn Time Riot

@ The Wolfe Island Grill w/ Special Guests

(catch the 7pm Ferry)

Donations to the Pakistan Relief Fund

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

www.thegertrudes.com

www.applecrisp.ca

Modern Fuel Art Cards - CFA!

Call for Art!

This fall, Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre is excited to be launching our newly designed
fundraising project – a deck of MF ARCards! This distinctly Kingstonian deck of cards
will represent the creative strength of our community by reproducing the work of local
artists and designers on the front of each card.

The cards will be sold as a collector and tourist item at various businesses throughout
the city with all proceeds supporting Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre. Projected to be
one of our most significant fundraising events this year the cards will, at the same
time, raise the profile of contemporary artists within Kingston and its environs.

Modern Fuel* is currently seeking images of new and/or past works to be included
on a card in the deck together with the name of the artist. The submissions for this
project will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis, however, publication of
all submissions cannot be guaranteed. If an artist would like to request publication
of their image on a particular card (for instance, the Queen of Hearts), these will
also be distributed on a first-come-first-awarded basis. Multiple submissions will
be permitted. If you would like to donate an image to the MF ARCards, you are
invited to use the submission form on our website at www.modernfuel.org/deck
, which includes information on the specs and file format standards for the cards.

Deadline for submissions is September 1st, 2010. We will hold a launch event for the
Card Deck in October 2010 where each artist in attendance can pick up their own free
deck of MF ARCards!

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions and, as always, we thank you for
your support.

* Modern Fuel is a not-for-profit Artist-Run Centre that supports innovation and
experimentation in contemporary art. For over thirty years, we have been showcasing
provocative work by emerging and mid-career Canadian artists from diverse cultural
communities. Our members and visitors have come to expect high-quality programming
that includes exhibitions, experimental concerts, workshops, lectures, and access to our
New Media Workspace.

For More Info: www.modernfuel.org or modernfuel@bellnet.ca

BRUSHWORKS ART SHOW AND SALE

BRUSHWORKS is an ecclectic group of local artists who are all related through the Kingston School of Art and who have been showing their work in various venues for 10 years.  They are excited to offer their first show in the new Window Art Gallery at the School of Art (Princess St. at Victoria).  The Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am - 12pm and most afternoons and evenings (whenever there is a class).  Meet the artists at the reception on Sunday, October 14, 4:00 - 6:00 pm.  Free admission.  ksoa@kingston.net   613-549-1528  www.ksoa.info

Studio22 Open Gallery Exhibition of Blenderman ~ Gordon • PAINTINGS

September 11th to October 17th, 2010

Studio22 Open Gallery 

Blenderman ~ Gordon • PAINTINGS

Two concurrent painting exhibits.  New 'Kingston Scenes' by Robert A. Blenderman.  'Syrian Statuary' by Dave Gordon.  

Robert A. Blenderman • Kingston Scenes

A new series of fine works, in oil, were painted especially for the fall show at Studio22 Open Gallery.  Blenderman's signature technique of blending creativity, richness and colour with feelings of romance, continues to evolve. 

"Robert A. Blenderman on Canada's Jewel"

I always thought of Kingston as the jewel that was unknown to the rest of Canada.  It had that kind of character that builds over time…

I love Kingston…I resonate with it, I feel a rapport with it all…the old town…the building, the alleyways, the old churches…it's the textures of the red brick and the limestone.  Kingston has always had a quality that really appealed to me…not in a pretty sense.  Like landscape…its beauty comes from its ruggedness, its power to face time, its colours and of course the water and the light…

Dave Gordon • Syrian Statuary

The 10 paintings in this show were inspired by sculpture I saw in the Syria National Museum in Damascus.  The Museum is rated in the top ten in the world and contains artifacts from 33 civilizations going back to 5000 BC – Roman, Byzantine and Arab Islamic collections exhibited side by side.  I don't know the story behind the pieces that I photographed – why they were produced or if they were the work of one genius or a committee, but they are incredibly powerful and their expressive force jumps across time from the distant past to the viewer in the 21^st century.  Until someone comes up with a working time machine museums are the closest we will get to time travel.  Gary Snyder, in an essay titled "Entering  the Fiftieth Millenium", and discussing much older cave paintings, says "No master realist painter of the last 500 years could better those painted critters of the past: they totally do what they do, without room for improvement."

A number of the sculptures in the museum are missing their heads.  My titles reflect this:  "Headless Bird God with Heads" and "Headless Calf".  Two paintings reflect present day Syria – a landscape depicting the statue of  Hafez al Assad on a desolate rocky hillside, and another titled "The Cult of Personality" which shows the head of the ancient god Baal with Bashar al Assad, the current leader.

 

Dave Gordon is an artist who lives and works in Kingston, Ontario. His work is in the collections of the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and Museum London, and private collections.

Regular Gallery Hours:  Wednesday to Sunday afternoons 1 to 5 & Friday evenings  7 to 10.  Anytime by appointment.

320 King Street E. - 2nd Floor

613-546-7461

www.s22.ca

- 30 -

Studio22 Open Gallery

320 King St. E. , Kingston, Ont.

613.546.7461

866.842.9895

.

s22.ca

“Goddesses of The County” Art Show

Oh to be a Goddess of the Arts! On Saturday, August 21 , from 11am – 6pm, you are invited to attend the
Goddesses of The County Art Show held at Casa-Dea Estates Winery in Prince Edward County.

This important fundraiser will help our Hospital in Picton! "That's fantastic news…thank you!!" exclaims the team
at the PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Dea as in Casa-Dea means Goddess in Italian, so we thought the name of the show works well with both the
winery, and the talented artists in our area. Sponsored by 95.5 Classic Hits, Cool FM radio, Mhad Printing,
Snap Design and Co-Operators Insurance, this is a celebration of women of the arts.

The show is going on rain or shine. Casa-Dea Estates Winery, located 10 minutes West of the Village of Wellington,
is donating their grounds and banquet room for this show. Enjoy their award-winning wines, cheese from the Black
River Cheese Company and hors d'oeuvres, listen to music, and appreciate the arts amongst décor supplied by
Thompson's Tents.

Delectable treats such as hand-made chocolate, wine gift baskets, an oil painting of your own home, stunning
custom art pieces and Party Girl Packs are amongst the array of silent auction delights to discover. Donations are
appreciated at the door and wine tastings, proceeds of which will go directly to our hospital. The PEC Memorial
Hospital in Picton is always there for us! Now we're working towards giving back to help with medical equipment
costs.

Thank you to everyone who is helping with this exciting project!!! It can't happen without you!
For more details, please visit: www.casadeaestates.com or join Casa-Dea Estates Winery on FaceBook.

About The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation

There have been many changes in health care over the years and there will be many more as the health
care system evolves. There is one constant…
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is the voice and the champion of quality
health care for the County.

The population of the County is growing faster and curiously, older than many parts of the province.
Prince Edward County is quickly becoming home to people from all over the country. Many are drawn
here by the lifestyle but for others the decision is driven by the quality of local health care.
Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is the focal point of the local health care system. Thousands of
County residents and visitors depend on the PECMH for their care and for their connection to QHC and
the provincial health system.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is committed to advancing healthcare for the
people of Prince Edward County. The Foundation's challenge as it moves into the next phase of
development is to insure that it remains a stalwart and effective partner to Quinte Health Care while
reaching out to other healthcare providers to insure that the plans for improved healthcare for the
County can be implemented.

Integrity is the core value. We are proud of the trust placed in us by a grateful community.

Please enjoy the show and thank you so much for helping our hospital.
~ The PECMHF Team

To learn more about the Foundation, please visit their website: http://pecmhf.ca/
See information about the venue here: www.casadeaestates.com

_______________________________________________

Thank you so much for your support!

Laura

Laura Brasseur

Email: laura@snapdesign.ca

Laura@snapdesign.ca visit: SnapDesign.ca

121 Dundas Street East, Suite 202 · Belleville ON Canada K8N 1C3
Phone: (613) 967-9699 ext 226 Fax: (613) 391-0881

Upcoming KPP Shows and Events

Adv. means advance tickets at: Brian's Records, The Jungle, Sunrise(Cat Mall), Tricolour (Queen's), www.ticketbreak.com

Thursday Aug 26 @ The Mansion (Wine Cellar) - 506 Princess St
THE MOST SERENE REPUBLIC / STILL LIFE STILL
19+ / 9pm / $10 adv.

Sunday Sept 12 @ Time to Laugh - 394 Princess St
BENEATH THE MASSACRE
8-11pm / $10 adv.

Monday Sept 13 @ Time to Laugh
STRUNG OUT
all ages/licenced / 6-10pm / $20 adv.

Saturday Sept 25 @ The Mansion
MANTECA
19+ / 9pm / $17 adv.

Monday Sept 27 @ Time to Laugh
ANTI FLAG / The Menzingers
all ages/licenced / 630-10pm / $17 adv.

Friday Oct 1 @ The Toucan, 76 Princess St
C'MON
19+ / 9pm / Free Show

Saturday Oct 9 @ The Mansion (Wine Cellar)
GREG MACPHERSON
19+ / 9pm / $10

Monday Oct 11 @ The Mansion
D.O.A.
19+ / 9pm / $12 adv.

Wednesday Oct 13 @ Time to Laugh
WE CAME AS ROMANS
all ages/licenced / 6pm / $10 adv.

Friday Oct 15 @ The Mansion (Wine Cellar)
CARPENTER / COBRA SKULLS
19+ / 9pm / $10 door

Tuesday Oct 19 @ The Mansion
THE DREADNOUGHTS
19+ / 9pm / $8

***
Advance tickets:
The Jungle (107 Princess - 613.547.1544)
Brian's Record Option (381 Princess - 613.542.2452)
Sunrise (Cataraqui Mall - 613.384.4880)
Tricolour Outlet (Queen's Univ)
Online at: http://www.ticketbreak.com/

Kingston Symphony's Second annual Whisky Cruise

The Kingston Symphony Association hosts its second annual Whisky Cruise

Fri., September 24 at 6:30 pm
Tickets: $90 per person plus tax
Call 613-549-5544 or order online at www.ktic.ca/symphony

Climb aboard the Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises premier dining ship, the Island Star, and enjoy a three course dinner and a tasting of three different single malt whiskies. Members of the Kingston Symphony will perform throughout the evening while you explore the history of Scotch -- and learn how to order whisky like a pro.

CCA urges the gov't to keep investing in arts and culture beyond Canada’s Economic Action Plan

 

If you can't see this bulletin, you can access the document by clicking here.

Si vous éprouvez des difficultés avec ce courriel, veuillez cliquer ici afin de consulter le bulletin sur le Web

 

 

 

(LA VERSION FRANÇAISE SUIT LA VERSION ANGLAISE)

 

CCA Bulletin 21/10

August 16, 2010

 

CCA urges the government to keep investing in arts and culture beyond Canada's Economic Action Plan

 

Just the Facts

On Friday August 13, the Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) submitted its pre-budget brief for 2011 to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. In it, the CCA frames the manner in which the federal government should invest in arts and culture, and emphasizes the need for the government to continue its commitment of stable funding for arts and culture as we come to the end of Canada's Economic Action Plan.

The CCA outlines priorities to stabilize and enrich the economic capacity of the creative sector. The complete submission defines six recommendations for investment:

1. Audience and market development at home and abroad: The CCA asks the government to dedicate $40 million of "new money" in order to expand its capacity to support market development nationally and internationally for Canadian artists, cultural institutions and industries. 

2. Canada Council for the Arts: The CCA asks the government to increase the base budget of the Canada Council for the Arts by an additional $30 million per year beginning in 2011-12, with a view to reach $300 million by 2015.

3. Training and Internship/Mentorship Opportunities: The Department of Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSDC) should expand access to EI training support for the self-employed. Also, HRSDC should dedicate $1 million per year for five years to foster the professional development of cultural workers through internships and mentorships.

4. National Museum Policy: The CCA asks that in the context of a new National Museum Policy, the government dedicate an additional $50 million to promote Canada's national heritage, exhibit Canadian stories and preserve our culture.

5. Cultural Statistics: The CCA requests that the government give an additional $1 million to the Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH) to develop and maintain a satellite account for culture at Statistics Canada, as is done for tourism and the voluntary sector.

6. Investment Incentives: Finally, the CCA supports Imagine Canada's suggestion to establish a "stretch" tax credit that would increase the federal charitable tax credit by an additional 10% on all new giving up to $10,000, in order to increase the flow of charitable gifts from Canadians.

Tell me more

According to a report prepared by the Conference Board of Canada for the Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC), "the cultural sector of Canada's economy will be hit harder by the global recession than the overall Canadian economy." The real value-added output in the cultural sector "is expected to be 4.8% lower in 2009 than it would have been had there not been a recession". This reduction, which amounts to $2.2 billion, is more significant than the 4.0% reduction expected in the overall Canadian economy. On the other hand, revenues for Canada's culture sector are expected to be 4.3% —or about $3.1 billion—lower in 2009 than they would have been in the absence of a global recession.

Apart from government funding, cultural non-profit groups rely on philanthropy to survive. This is why it is worrying to note that, "endowment, donations and other revenues are expected to be most strongly affected (a 16% reduction), due to the weak economy and the decline in stock markets." The [CHRC] report indicates that this will likely have the largest effect on the performing arts and heritage sectors. Certain arts and culture fields depend heavily on business advertising, and endowments will suffer an even greater loss in revenues because of the impact of the global recession on these two revenue sources.

In its submission, the CCA applauds the decision of the government to allow cultural agencies under review to keep the 5% of their funds which they had identified as "lower priority". The CCA welcomes the view of the government that the CBC, the National Film Board, Telefilm and the Canada Council for the Arts are all meeting the objectives and priorities of this government. However, the CCA opposes the decision to replace the mandatory long-form census with a voluntary household survey, whose quality and usefulness has been criticized by all experts.  The CCA deems it contrary to responsible management of Canadian taxpayers' money to waste an extra $30 million to gather data that cannot be relied upon to develop fact-based public policies.

In conclusion, the CCA states that while it understands the necessity to start eliminating the annual federal budget deficit, it would be very short-sighted to slash investments in the arts and culture sector, particularly given the fact that it still has to experience the main impacts of the recent economic crisis.

Arts and culture are important components of the creative economy - where Canada's future lies. In the digital age, it is of utmost importance for a nation to not only invest in digital infrastructure, but also in content development. Canadians have a duty to support the development of all forms of cultural content that reflects their identity as a nation, contributes to the country's reputation abroad and supports our commercial objectives on the international scene, while at the same time, making an important financial contribution to the domestic economy.

What can I do?

Vocalize your support for the CCA's recommendations by sending an email to your MP, Minister James Moore, Minister Jim Flaherty and Prime Minister Harper. Also contact the Leader of the Opposition and the leaders of the NDP and the Bloc Québécois.

 What are your thoughts on the CCA's pre-budget submission? Let us know on our blog.

---

Bulletin de la CCA 21/10

16 août 2010

 

La CCA invite le gouvernement à continuer d'investir dans les arts et la culture au-delà du plan de relance économique

 

Les faits en résumé

Vendredi dernier, 13 août, la Conférence canadienne des arts (CCA) a soumis son mémoire pré-budgétaire 2011 au Comité permanent des finances de la Chambre des Communes. Dans ce document, la CCA définit la façon dont, à son avis, le gouvernement fédéral devrait investir dans le secteur arts et culture et souligne la nécessité de maintenir son engagement envers un financement stable, même une fois terminé le Plan de relance économique de 2009-2010.

La CCA précise les priorités nécessaires à une stabilisation et à l'enrichissement de la capacité économique du secteur créatif. Le  mémoire articule six recommandations précises quant aux investissements à faire :

1. Développement des auditoires et des marchés au pays et à l'international: La CCA demande au gouvernement d'ajouter 40 millions de dollars afin de développer sa capacité à soutenir le développement des marchés à l'échelle nationale et internationale pour les artistes canadiens, les institutions et industries culturelles.

 

2. Le Conseil des arts du Canada  La CCA demande au gouvernement d'augmenter le budget de base du Conseil des arts du Canada d'un montant supplémentaire de 30 millions de dollars par année commençant en 2011-12, en vue d'atteindre 300 millions de dollars d'ici 2015.

 

3. Formation et programmes de stages et de mentorat : Le ministère des Ressources humaines et du Développement des compétences (RHDCC) devrait donner aux travailleurs autonomes accès aux programmes de formation dans le cadre de l'assurance emploi. De plus,  RHDCC devrait consacrer un million de dollars par année pendant cinq ans au développement des travailleurs culturels via des stages et du mentorat.

 

4. Politique muséale nationale : Dans le contexte d'une nouvelle politique muséale nationale, la CCA demande au gouvernement d'augmenter de 50 millions de dollars les budgets visant à la préservation, la présentation et la promotion du patrimoine canadien.

 

5. Statistiques Culturelles : La CCA demande au gouvernement d'attribuer au ministère du Patrimoine canadien (PCH) un million de dollars par année pour le développement et le maintien par Statistique Canada d'un compte satellite pour les statistiques culturelles semblable à ce qui existe pour le tourisme et le secteur bénévole.

 

6. Mesures d'incitation à la philanthropie  La CCA appuie la suggestion d'Imagine Canada qui demande au gouvernement d'augmenter de 10% le crédit d'impôt fédéral pour les dons de bienfaisance s'élevant jusqu'à 10 mille dollars afin d'augmenter les dons faits par les Canadiens.

Pour en savoir davantage

Selon un rapport préparé par le Conference Board du Canada pour le compte du Conseil des ressources humaines du secteur culturel (CRHSC), « le secteur culturel de l'économie canadienne sera davantage touché par la récession mondiale que l'économie canadienne dans son ensemble. » La production à valeur ajoutée réelle dans le secteur culturel canadien devrait être inférieure de 4,8 pour cent en 2009 à ce qu'elle aurait été en l'absence d'une récession. » Cette réduction, qui se monte à 2,2 milliards de dollars, est plus importante que la réduction de 4,0% prévue pour l'ensemble de l'économie canadienne. D'autre part, l'étude prévoit que les revenus du secteur culturel seront de 4,3% moindres (i.e. – 3,1 milliards de dollars) en 2009 qu'ils ne l'auraient été en l'absence d'une récession globale.

 

À part le financement gouvernemental, les groupes culturels à but non-lucratif s'appuient sur la philanthropie pour survivre. Dans ce contexte, il est alarmant de voir que « la récession mondiale devrait affecter les revenus tirés de toutes les sources, particulièrement des fonds de dotation. La faiblesse de l'économie et la chute abrupte des marchés boursiers devraient entraîner une réduction de près de 16 pour cent de cette source de revenus.» Le rapport du CRHSC indique que l'impact négatif sera particulièrement grand pour les arts de la scène et les organismes patrimoniaux. Certains groupes dans le secteur art et culture qui dépendent beaucoup de la commandite commerciale et des dons subiront donc des pertes encore plus élevées à cause de l'impact de la récession mondiale sur ces deux sources de revenus.

 

Dans son mémoire, la CCA applaudit la décision du gouvernement d'autoriser les organismes culturels soumis à l'exercice de revue stratégique à conserver les 5 % de leurs fonds identifiés comme « priorités moindres ». La CCA se réjouit du fait que le gouvernement considère que Radio-Canada, l'Office national du film, Téléfilm et le Conseil des Arts du Canada répondent aux objectifs et priorités du gouvernement actuel.

 

Par ailleurs, la CCA s'oppose à la décision du gouvernement de remplacer le recensement long format par un sondage volontaire des foyers, dont la qualité et l'utilité ont été dénoncées par tous les experts en ce domaine. Il nous apparaît contraire aux objectifs de gestion responsable de l'argent des contribuables canadiens de gaspiller trente millions de dollars de plus pour recueillir des données qui ne pourront pas servir au développement et l'évaluation de politiques publiques basées sur des faits.

 

En conclusion, la CCA affirme que tout en comprenant la nécessité de réduire le déficit budgétaire, ce serait adopter une politique à courte vue que de réduire les investissements dans les arts et la culture, étant donné tout particulièrement que ce secteur a encore à éprouver le plein impact de la récente crise économique.

 

Les arts et la culture demeurent un élément important de l'économie créative où le Canada de demain se trouve déjà. À l'ère du numérique, il est de la plus haute importance pour une nation d'investir non seulement dans les infrastructures numériques mais tout autant dans le développement de contenu.

 

Les Canadiens ont le devoir de soutenir le développement de tous les genres de contenus culturels qui reflètent leur identité et leur patrimoine, contribuent à la réputation du pays à l'étranger et appuient nos objectifs commerciaux sur la scène internationale, tout en apportant une contribution financière importante à l'économie domestique.

 

Que puis-je faire?

Faites connaître votre appui aux recommandations de la CCA à votre député(e), au Ministre James Moore, au Ministre Jim Flaherty et au Premier Ministre Harper, ainsi qu'au Leader de l'Opposition et aux chefs des Parti néo-démocrate et du Bloc Québécois.

 Que pensez-vous de ce bulletin? Joignez-vous à la discussion et inscrivez vos commentaires sur notre blog.  

---

Alain Pineau
National Director / Directeur général
Canadian Conference of the Arts / Conférence canadienne des arts
406 – 130, rue Slater Street
Ottawa Ontario K1P 6E2
Tel / Tél: (613) 238-3561 ext.12 / poste 12
Fax / Télécopieur: (613) 238-4849
alain.pineau@ccarts.ca | www.ccarts.ca

The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) is the national forum for the arts and cultural community in Canada. It provides research, analysis and consultations on public policies affecting the arts and the Canadian cultural institutions and industries. The CCA fosters informed public debate on policy issues and seeks to advance the cultural rights of Canadians.

La Conférence canadienne des arts (CCA) est le forum national de la communauté artistique et culturelle au Canada. Elle effectue des recherches, produit des analyses et fournit des expertises sur les politiques publiques concernant les arts, les institutions et les industries culturelles canadiennes. La CCA favorise et éclaire le débat public entourant les enjeux politiques et travaille à la promotion des droits des Canadiens en matière de culture.