• The need for more small-/medium-sized spaces for performance and exhibition.
• The need for artists to connect more effectively and usefully within their own disciplines and across disciplines.
• The need to engage the community at large in ways that go beyond passive consumption of our artistic "products".
• The need to raise awareness, and knowledge of, and support for, the arts in the general community.
• The need to increase understanding in the community of the ways in which the arts reflect, animate and create our various cultures,
  and contribute to a shared culture.
• The need to streamline the grant application process, perhaps by harmonizing the formats used by the various levels of government.
• The need for status of the artist legislation/policy.
• The need for our sector to speak with a unified voice and to act in visible unity when required to do so.
• The need to continue to advocate in appropriate and effective ways to ensure appropriate support to the arts from all
  levels of government, and from the private sector.
• The need to address a broad range of legislation, bylaws and policy (e.g. copyright, taxation, zoning) at the appropriate levels
  of government, to ensure the greatest benefit to the arts and the community at large.
• The need for increased funding support from all levels of government.
• Burnout within the sector
• Succession planning
• Salaries within the sector
• The need for opportunities to connect with the business and other sectors of the community.

On May 16, 2007 Canadian Heritage Minister, Bev Oda addressed the department's spending estimates and responded to questions from
Maka Kotto, Bloc Quebecois MP from Saint-Lambert, at a Committee of the Whole meeting in the House of Commons.

The text below is a short sample of the exchange. To read more, click here.

Bev Oda (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women): "The Canada Council, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is the
federal government's primary agency supporting artistic excellence. In our very first budget, we committed a new $50 million to the Canada
Council. This increase has resulted in the largest single grants contribution in the 50-year history of the funding agency. This new funding has
brought in support to organizations such as les Grands Ballets Canadiens, le Theatre du nouveau monde, le Musse des beaux-arts du
Canada. This is an addition to the $150 million provided to the Canada Council for its work in every sector of the performing, visual, sound
and new media arts world... Through a new innovative mechanism, our government has made it more attractive for individuals and corporations
to invest in the arts. In budget 2006 we removed the capital gains tax from gifts of publicly listed securities to charities. In its first year this
measure has generated an estimated $20 million for the arts.

I am very proud that the government recognizes the importance of local arts and heritage activities across Canada. They bring neighbours
and families together to build stronger communities. They showcase local talent, encourage community participation and volunteerism,
while providing a venue for celebration of our rich, artistic roots and heritage. That is why in budget 2007 we announced $60 million for
the next two years to strengthen the cultural experiences of Canadians through events celebrating local arts and heritage. The department
is now holding consultations to establish the criteria for that future program. We will ensure that this new program will truly support
activities that are meaningful to the community. We will not let these resources be used for political purposes by one party, as the Liberal
government did. This is why the process to develop the program, the criteria and the strict guidelines will not be completed before the fall."

Maka Kotto (MP for Saint-Lambert): "Thus, I will begin with the Canada Council, since I assume the minister will be tempted to boast
about the work of her government on this topic, although I plan to dampen that temptation, I dare say, straight away. I would remind the House
that, as a result of combined pressure from the Canadian Arts Coalition, the Mouvement pour les arts et les lettres and the Bloc Quebecois,
in November 2005, the Liberal minister, Liza Frulla, announced a $300 million increase in the Canada Council's budget over three years.
The Conservatives did not take long to toss that commitment into the garbage can. They might try to tell us that they increased the budget by
$50 million, by $20 million the first year and another $30 million the second, but in reality, this is a shortfall of $100 million for the cultural
community under this government. This community, as we all know, has many spokespeople with imaginations that go beyond the bounds
of the lacklustre neo-conservative universe. Next year, no money is budgeted, and that could mean a return to the $150 million starting
point, that is, $250 million less than announced in November 2005. If they had a majority government, they would happily, and without
hesitation, cut the Canada Council's budget. The minister can brag about the $50 million for the Canada Council, but we know the arts
community knows that this little breather is in jeopardy with the potential arrival of, God help us, a Conservative majority."

Bev Oda: "Mr. Chair, I think the government has demonstrated that it has a balanced approach to those issues that are very important.
First, we believe we need a strong economy. The stronger the families and individuals are they can then can participate in all aspects of
Canadian life, including the arts and cultural aspect of Canadian life. These Canadians are hard-working and we are going to ensure
that they have more of their money and less is sent to Ottawa to be wasted. We are ensuring that the money they send is going to be used
effectively. In fact, the funding for the Canada Council, the new funding that we provided has meant that there is new money for the Montreal
company Danse Par B.L.eux, the Nunavut Independent Television Network, the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto."

Maka Kotto: "Mr. Chair, artists are among the lowest income citizens in Canada and Quebec. Attacks on artists are attacks on financially
shaky people. Making our streets safer or cutting the GST by one percentage point is not the answer to the challenges they are facing.
What concrete action does the government intend to take to help artists increases their incomes?"

Bev Oda: "Mr. Chair, we are ensuring that we create a cultural industry, a production industry, a music industry and a film industry
that are going to be able to reap the rewards of their hard work. We are working on international development through our trade routes
program and through increased funding to the Canada Council. International marketplace opportunities will open up. We will also ensure,
because I note that artists also have families et cetera, that we free them up so they can pursue their creative endeavours."

4. Province announces new project funds for BC 2008 celebrations

On May 12 the Province announced $1 million in funding to help communities stage local BC2008 celebrations. Over the next several months,
Spirit of BC Community Committees will meet with community leaders and event hosts in their communities to develop plans for local BC2008
celebrations. These plans will support the BC2008 pillars of: heritage, communities, multiculturalism, Aboriginals and arts and culture,
and reflect the unique nature of each British Columbia community. An initiative of 2010 Legacies Now, the Spirit of BC program promotes
community innovation, pride and excellence to create unique and lasting legacies for British Columbians, leading up to the 2010 Winter
Games and beyond.  In the coming months, 2010 Legacies Now’s Spirit of BC Community Committees will facilitate planning sessions
in communities across the province. Once plans have been developed, communities will submit funding applications to 2010 Legacies Now.
Funding for the projects will be provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. For more information visit www.spiritofbc.com.

On May 17, the Ministry of Tourism Sport and the Arts announced a $350,000 grants program for museums and heritage organizations
planning special exhibits and events commemorating BC2008, a celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the British Columbia
as Crown Colony. The BC2008 local heritage and museums program will be administered by the British Columbia Museums
Association. Projects must align with the Province’s five pillars for BC2008: heritage, communities, Aboriginals, multiculturalism and arts
and culture. Grants may match up to 50 per cent of project costs, to a maximum of $10,000. The BC2008 local heritage and museums
program first intake applications are due July 15, 2007.  For information on application criteria and to download an application, please
visit www.museumsassn.bc.ca.

5. Canada Council seeks input on future directions

The Canada Council is in the process of developing a strategic plan for 2008-2011, to guide the orientation of the Council's programs and
priorities over the three-year period. As part of the process, the Council is inviting the public to participate through Creating our Future, a
discussion paper and survey, now available on the Canada Council's web site at http://www.50.canadacouncil.ca/en/consultation.
The Council is asking for people to read the discussion paper and send ideas and suggestions by June 15 at the latest. The Council's
strategic plan will be developed over the summer and early fall, and will be reviewed by the board of the Canada Council during its 50th
anniversary meeting in Montreal in October 2007. Once approved by the board, it will be released to the public and posted on the Council's
web site.

6. Alliance Annual General Meeting

The Alliance for Arts and Culture will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 27. The AGM begins at 4 pm and will be
followed by a wine and cheese reception until 6 pm. Please join us at 100-938 Howe Street. RSVP to rsvp@allianceforarts.com.

7. SEARCH program update

Each year since 1996 the Alliance for Arts and Culture, with funding from Service Canada, has developed and delivered an employment
assistance program free to unemployed members of the cultural work force. When the current contract with Service Canada expires on
July 31, the Alliance for Arts and Culture's SEARCH program will no longer be funded under Employment Assistance program funding.
The SEARCH program operates on an annual contract and this year we have been advised that a proposal will not be accepted so after
the next two sessions, SEARCH in its present form will no longer be offered. At present the Alliance is working on developing new initiatives
that will enable us to continue the work, which is much in demand, promoted by the SEARCH program.

After close to 12 years, Judi Piggott will be leaving the Alliance to serve as the Interim Executive Director at the Centre for Non-Profit
Sustainability. Judi will continue to support the Alliance's important work on behalf of the sector's creative workforce, for which her passion
and commitment continue unabated. She has volunteered her expertise to help the Alliance build on the foundation the SEARCH program has given
us, and to develop what will be the next generation of support for cultural workers.

8. Marketing and promotions with creative blogging

The Alliance for Arts and Culture is hosting a workshop on marketing and promotions with creative blogging on Monday, June 18 from
1 to 4 pm. Tailored to individuals and organizations in the creative sector, the workshop will unravel the world of blogging and teach
participants how to use blogging for marketing and promotions and for sharing creative work. You will leave this workshop having created
a blog site (bring your own laptop or use the Alliance's computers), published a first blog article (or “post”) and having developed confidence
to keep on blogging. Most important, you will have an understanding of how you can make the new web (“web 2.0”) work for you to promote
your work. Click here for more information.

9. Contract awarded for Queen Elizabeth Theatre redevelopment

On May 1^st, Vancouver Council awarded Heatherbrae Builders Co. a contract for the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Redevelopment for phase one
of the audience chamber at an estimated cost of $12,685,000. Funding to be provided by the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Redevelopment
Capital Budget.

10. Vancouver’s Diversity Initiatives Grant update

The City of Vancouver’s Office of Cultural affairs has announced that some cultural grant programs will have only one intake in 2007.
The Diversity Initiatives Grant is one such program, meaning there will only be one intake for 2007 with a deadline of Monday, September 17th.

11. Creative City Conversation material online

A number of the presentations from the April 23rd Creative City Conversation are available online at
http://www.vancouver.ca/creativecity/resources.htm#sessions

12. New legislation in Saskatchewan and Ontario improves status of the artist

Saskatchewan: The Government of Saskatchewan is proceeding with legislation to provide self-employed professional artists access
to collective bargaining mechanisms and processes. The legislation introduces a model of professional relations that lets artists decide
when and under what circumstances to engage in collective bargaining. The system will be regulated by the Saskatchewan Labour
Relations Board and requires all engagers to enter into written contracts with professional artists, which provides a measure of security
for artists. For more information, visit the Government of Saskatchewan online at
http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=1753bb29-2790-40b6-a8f1-66e72002a214

Related news story.

Ontario: The Ontario legislature passed legislation that will formally recognizes artists' unique economic and social contributions and 
 introduces Ontario's first arts and culture strategy. The Status of Ontario's Artists Act, 2007 also notes the government of Ontario's 
 commitment to implement initiatives that enhance the socio-economic status of artists and declares the first weekend of June 
 as Celebrate the Artist Weekend. The government communications on the new legislation notes that: "This act is one step in the government's strategy to help artists in the province make a better living."

For more information visit the Government of Ontario at 

http://ogov.newswire.ca/ontario/GPOE/2007/05/10/c7708.html?lmatch=&lang=_e.html

13. Research and literature

Involving Youth in Nonprofit Arts Organizations: A Call to Action
Prepared by Barry Hessenius, Commissioned by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
April 2007
www.hewlett.org

A sixty-two-page report, prepared by Barry Hessenius, former Director of the California Arts Council, which  cites a shrinking pool
of young people, increased competition for their services and a lack of attention to the issue of generational succession on the part of arts
organizations as key reasons for less youth engagement in the arts.

The report has three parts: a survey of youth programs among California’s nonprofit arts organizations, case studies of a dozen
successful youth engagement programs in the arts, and a comparative analysis of youth programs in the environmental movement, with an
in-depth look at the youth programs of two leading organizations.  The report recommends that national service organizations for
the arts craft a plan to increase young people's involvement in the arts nationwide. Local and regional arts organizations are called upon to
budget time and money to involve youth, add young adults to their boards and strengthen ties to high schools and colleges.

14. Artist calls, awards and opportunities

Vancouver 2007 Capital Grants Program

The City of Vancouver invites applications from eligible non-profit arts, cultural or social organizations for the 2007 Capital Grants Program.
The City's capital support for arts and cultural facilities includes capital grants to organizations located in their own (or leased) premises.
Capital grants may be used for planning, purchase, renovation, and refurbishment of facilities not owned by the City. Repairs, maintenance,
and equipment are not eligible.

Potential applicants who wish further information should contact Marnie Rice, Cultural Planner at 604-871-6634, well in advance of the
grant deadline.

The deadline for the 2007 Capital Grants is 4:30 p.m., July 6, 2007.

For additional information, guidelines and application forms, please go to: http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/oca/facilities/capgrant.htm

 

15. Media spin

Oda criticized for odd 'cultural' festival ideas
CanWest News Service
May 4, 2007
By Andrew Mayeda

Heritage Minister Bev Oda came under fire Thursday for polling the town council in her riding for festivals eligible for $30 million in
federal funding, and suggesting a "Midnight Madness" sale organized by local businesses qualifies as an arts and heritage festival.
Read more...

Summer festivals angry about stalled federal funds
CanWest News Service
May 24, 2007
By Mike De Souza

Hundreds of summer festivals across Canada say they are being shut out of a new $30-million federal sponsorship program that was
suspended by Heritage Minister Bev Oda following accusations that it was a slush fund for Conservative MPs.
Read more...

Arts notes: Alcan takeover bid threatens arts sponsorship
The Georgia Straight
May 24, 2007
By Jessica Werb

Numerous local arts groups and festivals could be at risk of losing sponsorship should Canadian aluminum producer Alcan fall
victim to the $33-billion hostile takeover bid launched May 7 by its U.S. rival Alcoa. Read more...

Tories botched two initiatives
The Montreal Gazette
May 29, 2007

In a $237-billion federal budget, the $115 million or so Ottawa had set aside to subsidize summer jobs for students and underwrite
local arts festivals almost qualifies as petty cash. But there's nothing petty about the headaches these two programs are creating
for the Conservatives. Read more...

The Alliance for Arts and Culture gratefully acknowledges the support from the following: City of Vancouver, Service Canada,
the British Columbia Arts Council and the British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch.

Comments? Send a message to:
lguy@allianceforarts.com

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