Government of Canada Ensures Financial Stability of Cultural Sector by Renewing Arts Investments for Next Five Years
VANCOUVER, June 26, 2009 – The
Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the renewal of arts funding for the next five years. He made the announcement at the Vancouver Arts Summit, where he also discussed the benefits of the creative economy and the opportunities presented to the arts and cultural sectors by the changing technological landscape.
“The cultural sector needs stability in this time of economic uncertainty. With ongoing investments by our Government, artists and arts organizations can plan their activities for the longer term and continue to create, produce, and present innovative works that will make Canadians proud,” said Minister Moore.
These renewed investments in the arts represent $504 million in support over five years and are in addition to measures announced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. These measures include a 41‑percent increase in the budget for the Canada Arts Training Fund* and additional funding of $60 million over two years for the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund,* doubling the budget for the program this year and extending it to 2010–2011.
This brings total Government of Canada investment to $1.51 billion for the fiscal years from 2010 to 2015. Of the funding announced today, $25 million per year will go to the Canada Council for the Arts, maintaining its yearly funding at its highest level ever–$181 million.
“Our Government is spending more on arts and culture, and we’re spending more efficiently,” added Minister Moore. “Each of our arts programs has undergone an evaluation process and can now be more effective in our efforts to support the arts community.”
“Today’s announcement is excellent news for artists and arts organizations throughout our country, as well as all Canadians whose lives are enriched by the arts,” said Alain Pineau, National Director of the Canadian Conference of the Arts. “A five-year financial commitment provides exactly the kind of stability that the sector needs to be able to continue making an important contribution to our society and economy.”
The Canada Cultural Investment Fund* will continue to help our arts and heritage organizations find more income sources and become increasingly financially viable. Funding for cultural and heritage infrastructure will continue through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund,* and support for festivals and professional arts events will continue through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund* (provisional title).
Through its arts policies and programs, the Government of Canada aims to promote Canadian artistic talent and provide with access to the arts. The Government’s investments in the arts sector help further develop creative excellence in Canada, allow many Canadians to have access to the arts, and ensure arts organizations develop in a sustainable environment.
* Note that the following four programs have changed their names. However, their mandate and objectives remain the same.
Former name | New name |
| Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program | Canada Cultural Investment Fund |
| Cultural Spaces Canada Program | Canada Cultural Spaces Fund |
| National Arts Training Contribution Program | Canada Arts Training Fund |
| Arts Presentation Canada Program | Canada Arts Presentation Fund (provisional title) |
