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CCA Bulletin 40/08 – From the Desk of Alain Pineau

 

Open Letter to Canadian Political Leaders and Cultural Organization Leaders

 

For many years Canadian creators, artists and arts professionals have longed to have a national discussion on the role and value of the arts and culture sector in our national life. The current federal election campaign has quite unexpectedly provided this opportunity.

 

Unfortunately, the current debate has focused on two polarities, those who see the arts and culture sector as a frill for the elite, and those for whom the programs and policies of the federal government are immutable and eternally inadequate.

 

Such a polarization does a grave disservice to the kind of strategic discussion that is necessary in order to assess and validate the contribution of this sector on the quality of Canadian life in terms of the economy, social and national identity, as well as our status in the world community.

 

By focusing on these two solitudes, the discussion is missing an opportunity which many governments around the world have already seized upon – the emergence of a creative economy to eclipse the traditional agrarian/industrial economy on which Canada and other developed nations cut their teeth. These governments have acknowledged the current contribution that the creative sector brings to their national life, as well as the tremendous future potential that remains to be developed and exploited for the common good of all Canadians.

 

The Conference Board of Canada, in cooperation with the Department of Canadian Heritage, sponsored an International Forum on the Creative Economy last March to launch a process of reflection. The Forum engaged some the brightest minds from international and Canadian communities, and presented impressive statistics demonstrating the current status of the creative sector absent from a national strategy on the creative economy. Some of their findings include:

 

  • In 2007 the cultural sector’s economic footprint in Canada amounted to just over $ 84 billion or 7.4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP);

  • The Conference Board estimates that for every $1 of real value-added GDP produced by Canada’s culture industries, roughly $1.84 is added to overall real GDP;

  • The cultural sector employed 616,000 people directly in 2003 when this was last measured, and when the sector’s indirect and other effects are included over 1.1 million Canadians in 2007;

  • Interactive media involving digital technology generated an estimated  

    $ 5 billion of revenue in 2005 and employed more than 50,000 people;

  • Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver account for 64% of arts and culture workers;

  • In 2005 Canadians spent $ 25.2 billion on goods and services from the cultural sector, more than three times the $ 7.7 billion spent by all levels of government in 2003;

  • In real terms, government spending on culture measured as a percentage of GDP is now 0.3% lover than in 1999.

 

This data is a clear illustration of the opening bid of the creative economy without a national strategy. What could be achieved with a coordinated and comprehensive national approach to building on these considerable strengths? Unfortunately, this will not be accomplished by debating long-established polarities on cultural issues.

 

To achieve the goal of a national strategy on the creative economy several topics must be addressed:

 

1) It is imperative to launch a strategic and transparent review of all federal policies, programs and services that contribute to the development of a creative economy. This review process is essential to ensure that current policies, programs and services enhance rather than inhibit the development of the creative sector in Canadian life.

2) The engagement of the private sector is essential for the long-term health of the creative sector. If the creative economy is to aspire to its full potential, it must engage the private sector not only as philanthropists but also as partners in the development of new ventures in the creative sector. 

3) We must articulate a plan to develop and exploit international markets and opportunities for the Canadian creative sector. Many of our international partners and competitors have already done so – failure to act now places Canada at a disadvantage in the global marketplace.

4) Respect on all sides of such a national dialogue is essential. Reverting to hyperbole or stereotypes does not create an atmosphere for the kind of serious national dialogue that must take place on this topic. The current debate must refine both its lexicon and civility.

5) Patience and effort will be required of all participants in this discussion. If we can agree that a national strategy is required to build on the accomplishments of the creative sector for the benefit of all Canadians, we must declare a moratorium on unilateral actions on both sides. During the period of development, current policies and programs must be allowed to function, and the creative sector should participate in the strategic review process with an open mind.

 

The creative economy is an increasingly important element of Canada’s livelihood. It would be a benefit to all Canadians for our political leaders to engage us in a positive, forward-looking discussion on the role of the arts and cultural sector in the development of Canada, our economy and our sense of national identity. As we move towards forming Canada’s 40th Parliament, we must outline a culturally and economically advantageous strategy that will be for the benefit of all Canadians.

 

This is the most important objective that the Canadian Conference of the Arts will pursue to the full extent of its means and energy. We hope that you will join us in this important endeavour which is of crucial consequences for all Canadians and their children.

 
 

© 2007 Canadian Conference of the Arts. All rights reserved.