Issue/Topic: Accessibility

Accessibility to the arts and awareness about the arts are inter-dependent. Accessibility and awareness of the arts can be fostered by incorporating artistic perspectives into other areas of planning.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

How do you make art accessible to a full broad voice?

Need to reach different pockets of community, so everyone can have access to parts or our culture.

Work accessed on a different level where you know what the arts are on another level.

Important to really be aware of the fact that certain art be accessible and aim broader.

Problem is getting people there and knowing about what is going on.

More of a public initiative to support transportation.

Find ways to respond to public sprawl.

Speaking of the idea of physical accessibility i.e. Disability, hearing, visual impairment.

Action Items/Next Steps:

Provincial-level initiative to support access to culture – getting it out of the “cultural district” and to the areas outside of the regular areas – i.e. the transportation committees.

Have someone from the arts community to sit on the committees/boards etc. that discuss accessibility (integrating art people in infrastructure development).

Issue/Topic: Attracting and Retaining Talent – Artists in the Community - Living Wage for the Creative Industry

To attract and retain talent, artists want the ability to make a living wage, to feel valued for their work, and to be integrated into their communities (rather than be ghettoized). Possible means of achieving this are through financial or tax incentives for artists and policy changes.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Artists are leaving: Rent – Live – Work

How to create a creative industry (not necessarily just monetary)

Value for the creative force

Re: On-line Survey

Does not speak about human resources

Reflecting priorities?

E.g. Growth – Environment => Incentives => Rewards => Solicitation

Personnel - empowered people

Tax exemptions?

Financial incentives and breaks

Place to play / Places to live – Makes for a great music community

Transplanted policy

Get out to communities, reduce ghettoizing

Share Resources

Education

Place to stay/play

Issue/Topic: Authentic Alberta Voice – Commissioning – Exhibition – Innovation

Observing, defining and celebrating cultural authenticity is important for Alberta.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

How do we define what is a uniquely Alberta voice?

Lack of support for creation of new work.

How we link the past with the future = innovation?

Local arts need national/international validation before receiving local validation. This should change.
How do we celebrate our Alberta culture/cultural pride = champion the culture of Alberta with support from the Province.

What does the province need to have an informed definition or awareness of the Alberta cultural voice?

Defining this could be too narrowing. We should celebrate everything that is produced here. We are defined by how we support it = the support comes 1st to create the richness of culture.

Action Items/Next Steps:

More awareness from our legislators to the cultural activities in the province 1st hand.

Integration of culture through all provincial initiatives with equal support for all aspects of culture.

Alberta institutions featuring Alberta, act, lead by the province through internal policy, ALCON (like CANCON)

Province should put pressure on Federal government to liaise abroad and support our Alberta culture internationally

All ways to foster our international relationships through culture.

Issue/Topic: Barriers to Cultural Policy Succeeding

Well intentioned policies risk not succeeding if Provincial commitment waivers or if the ripple effects are not considered.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Barrier – seeing people with disabilities as separate, not being inclusive.

Want to be seen as artist first person or disability second.

As government/politicians pay “Lip Service” to culture their commitment must be REAL & CONSTANT!

Urban and rural divide.

Adequate performance & rehearsal SPACE!!!

Well intentioned policy but with negative ripple effect. Caution.

Issue/Topic: The Arts as an Economic Generator/Engine

Valuing the arts as an economic engine is important, but the arts and creative industries have greater value beyond the dollars they generate.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

A problem well defined is a problem half solved.

Do we want to reinforce this notion?

More than just goal + a reputation as a place.

Concern re tourism mixed with culture.

Quebec Model

Not even

Venice Beach

Ireland model -no artists pay tax, artists are venerate, focus on culture brought Ireland to EU economies.

Bill 68

This policy is artificially constructed / framed for current minister

Social impact

Environmental Impact

Education, libraries, architecture not included.

Why is nature – outdoors included in culture?

How to be AS ND as Media.

Look up provincial and federal studies of impact of the arts on economy.

Montreal Cultural Policy.

Peter & Jeannie Lougheed

Education.

Libraries

Media, TV/Print/Radio.

Radio Opportunity.

Call on Diversity of voices

Principles – Human Rights (not culture).

Core of this policy – $'s

Are we talking about $'s for sports, parks, human rights, the environment?

Creative fields/production

Opportunities/venues: facilities/infrastructure/democratic media

Heritage/preservation

Cultural mix/multiculturalism

Education/language/libraries/literature

We know outcome is an economic driver.

Why is tourism mixed with art?

We don't have depth in “tourism culture”

Status of the artist?

Public support for culture exceeds 85%.

Why is it not being referenced?

Does culture = nature?

Media amalgamation – no where to market arts.

Culture is ideological.

How Quebec defines culture – to help.

Why invest? Because

Reputation = culture

Reputation = wealth

Issue/Topic: Collaboration

Opportunities exist for arts and culture to collaborate with other sectors.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Education as the bridge – broad sense

Criteria to loose on groups.

Mandate that tourism, recreation, parks be called ministry of Cultural Tourism.

Simplified.

Expand the cultural lens across sectors – transportation, education, environment.

Should cultural foundation provide.

Cross.

Less Rules.

Artscape Model.

Medical complex analogy.

Go to one place – portal.

Granting agency lead the way.

Equal footing in society. (culture)

Issue/Topic: Defining Culture

Conflicting opinions exist between broad/inclusive and narrow/specific definitions of culture.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Definition can be seen as broad and all inclusive, eg. Voluntary sector.

What does it include.

Needs to be specific.

Let a lot of group out.

Culture is a way of life.

Excluded by lack of mentoring.

May not be able to change the silos.

Survey was designed to support policy that has already been formulated.

Definition of “heritage” is a funding responsibility – eg. Definitions

Policy to support culture at the broader level or governmental level.

Definition - “connecting people” - very broad.

Community vs. culture.

If defined in silos, eg. Sports & Recreation, does it limit cross communication.

Pro-arts & pro-sports

Sport is part of our culture.

Sport is more of an industry. - eg. Horse racing vs. arts.

Does it include the Flames, Rough Riders

Does it need the support government support?

Professional teams are part of our culture, but in a very broad way.

Urban vs. Rural Needs

Shouldn't be a difference between urban/rural – but current government has created the division.

Same barriers in both areas – funding.

Issue of sustainability/access.

Rural faces bigger issues of sustainability.

Needs are different.

No funding for touring in arts in Alberta. - Policy could provide funding for more regional touring.

Culture and education – so much of culture is rooted in education.

How do you bridge the two?

Education is first to develop a strong culture, to have a strong culture you need promotion. So many people don't know about events. (Sports received lots of promotion, but arts don't).

Schools need support for arts/cultural development.

Issue/Topic: Funding

In collaboration with other sources, Provincial funding for capital projects is critical to development of the arts sector.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

3-5 years funding looking for a new space.

 

Priority around development of space “Capital” funding vs Operations.

Small companies ready to make the next step but space limitations are holding them back.

Need funding because we are out in November.

Does it make sense for minors to be all searching for capital that is not funding their operations. People won't give to endowment funds.

Moving towards endowment funding.

Need the money to say “yes' immediately. What about identity loss if too many groups are so similar and they move in together.

What is the criteria?

Don't want the flip side. The government controls our space.

Sustainability to be able to get and maintain the space.

Lunchbox has found space but it is 10x more expensive then what they are paying now.

Need someone to take the lead. Too many groups pulling in different directions. Ned coordinator and a lead.

Province and Fed's need a system to make and ask for funding. Start allocation money. It's not the Jubilee people want. It does nothing for local art. Where do you ask/get funding. You shouldn't have to go looking for it.

Someone to help prioritize capital projects.

Multiple units to build gets peoples attention.

The only way to make it happen it to get together.

Who is making the hook ups? To bring organizations who are searching for space together.

Refers to spaces data bank. Getting a handle on the spaces.

Building Block “Calgary Venues” won't tell you who is losing space.

It is not just performance space but office space, exhibition space, storage space.

National Portrait Gallery in the new EnCana Building was a great idea.

Beltline developers should be incentives for adding art space into new development.

Action Items/Next Steps: Timeliness is key to these items.

Province should create a “capital pool” which is restored yearly to build capital projects.

Tax incentives to developers for building cultural space into new development.

Collaboration for joint development going forward.

Issue/Topic: Funding

Some suggestions to improve financial support for the arts include support for individual artists, multi-year funding, funding in alignment with policies, and support for artistic creation.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Casino structure works well – keep it as is for orgs. This does not support include artists. Require more support for individual artists.

Funding policies often do not work for supporting the creation of work. (Specifically in music recording.)

Need to explore more creative models of funding (i.e. not taxing artists.).

No “buy in” from the province for the value of their concurrent investments.

Need to align policy with smaller sectors of cultural definition.

Current funding should be more long-term focused i.e. Multi-year funding over 3-5 years or even 10 years.

Less directive funding to facilitate creation.

Support for culture has implications across all areas of society.

The private sector cannot provide completely.

The public support should increase, be as broad as possible.

Action Items/Next Steps:

1% building permits to cultivate infrastructure.

Corporate tax incentives for companies to build space.

Grow cultural endorsements (in relation to R.O.I. of leveraged investment through culture.)

Current support is not keeping pace with the rest of Canadian provinces.

Without a clear definition of art at the provincial level how can there be a policy created to support art?

Very important to see the broadest perspective of culture to develop the future of the province with sustainability

Issue/Topic: Innovation

Alberta has a reputation for innovation and Alberta’s artists have the same reputation for innovation. Investing in the arts will unleash further innovation in Alberta.

Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Support and rewarding innovating ideas.

Convince government to see our thoughts through their eyes. They look for quick wins.

What is Alberta's promise?

Run with the insecurities of the people in power. Eg. Old finished ideas that want to look hip.

Why don't we have a world-class cultural centre?

Use Alberta Ballet and OYR as touring examples of innovative culture.

Why does anyone come to Calgary? Culturally speaking? Can't speak to government about innovation, but rather reputation for innovation.

Stampede is an investment in culture. What if we invest in the NOW?

What is Alberta's promise?

Our economic success is a barrier to fostering artistic growth.

Investment of arts via protection of it, not allowing artists to vacate province to the feeling of being forced out.

When all your energy goes into staying alive, how can you make world-class art?

Old Trouts, example of getting out and being uniquely Albertan.

Issue/ Topic: Multiculturalism

Albertans want the interests and needs of multicultural communities to be taken into consideration.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Redefine “Heritage” - to include living culture – how would that impact current practices.

Permanent space to contain all cultural arts – could be existing museum for example.

Bring diverse cultural art forms to mainstream venues.

Mainstream institutions need to reflect cultural diversity in community – mandate certain of programming for “multicultural events”.

Research – need to conduct focus groups inside distinct communities to determine interests and needs.

Issue/Topic: Process

The arts community recognizes the need to be strategic about how it can impact the development of Cultural Policy.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Not funding to formulated level; need to find a way/process to increase funding.

How do we develop a Calgary presence from the province (vs. Edmonton).

Get sponsors/private sector to support the process.

Get politically active, not just around election time.

Thank and encourage politicians.

CPAA should be stronger vehicle for organizing our strategy, our need, our offer.

Make the arts a campaign issue – get in on the platform of all candidates and parties.

Action Items/Next Steps:

Organize ourselves to take a position provincially.

Post candidates arts policy on CPAA so that artists/arts organization can get involved and make choices with their vote.

Issue/Topic: Promotion & Recognition

The media is currently seen as a barrier to awareness of arts and culture activities. Collaboration between the media, tri-level tourism departments, and the arts community are important to foster and share Alberta’s cultural identity.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

In PR we find media wants to cover you if you have something different – human interest angle – not just any dance recital.

Media is short staffed.

TV is not a lucrative career, struggles economically: understand media consolidation – CITY TV – BRAVO was good but it is gone.

The Betties – Calgary Sun stopped covering them Louis B Hobson stepped in and said “I will do it for free”. Who can do something about this?

Role of provincial government support CRTC applications – groups do the work – government stands behind us. Evening news – why no arts report?

CBC does – none of the privates – CKUA & CJSW.

Beyond broadcasting – ways to communicate to our potential stakeholders more then advertising.

Sustainability – how do you develop IDENTITY: recognition comes easier.

OYR – easier to get $'s to perform in Toronto then Stettler.

Funding Corporate partnership.

In Province touring grants - “entertain the troops”.

What is it in for the corporate – expect a benefit – But what is the Corporate Social Responsibility?

Some specific programs exist – funding resources support.

Quebec vs. Alberta– need to make a case for the community and corporate – no corporate but strong government.

Alberta government can help retention of keeping city/province maintain the quality of life.

Alberta History website but one already exists - “ the better mousetrap” - Don't reinvent the wheel.

Responsibility of the TPR Ministry.

Incentive for corporation to invest in culture.

Core group to help coordinate this HR, Database etc.

Guide Travel Alberta – But do they have resources.

Recognize groups traveling abroad – Embassy's no longer have this.

Alberta office in German – Honens but no support federally.

Create Awareness

Alberta /Canadian Thing if someone else values it, then we will.

Reputation of the Alberta image – Alberta contributors.

Ties to Economic engine – Alberta – Washington DC office – integrate this. Alberta & the Smithsonian.

It ended then what? But only heard where? Was it enough? Whats next?

Culture – not about the next big thing – is it sustainable.

Ministry of Arts, Parks, Rec – hilarious, advertise :”Fire bans”, - Not about culture?

Isn't it spreading to this.

Province = cultural engine to promote events, “cover it”.

Globe and Mail arts Correspondent needed.

Albertans need to know about Alberta Artists.

Media wants novelty + human interest - are short staffed.

Provincial support for representation to CRTC.

Fund In-Province touring of performance + exhibition.

Incentive to build databases + resources.

Liaise with federal government for arts groups working abroad

Western correspondent.

Touring Artists & Alberta Visual

Edmonton – Calgary – Banff = only 5 hours.

Need to be expanded.

Is it really touring?

Media is not enough – the city needs more. Library who knows what is happening.

Media – too much sports – Vicki – wonders what happened here in Alberta?

Media have the power – people need to know.

Issue/Topic: Sustainability

It is important to foster a distinctive Alberta culture.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Interpretative Naturalist

Arts and culture in with nature.

Vehicles to promote this.

Now where to promote

Tourism Calgary

Economic Impact

Partisan Ideology

Working in parameters

Problem well defined is half solved.

Quebec government spends know how are: definition

Identity rather than economic to attain purity by the nature of the wealth and health.

Reputation

Alberta is in need of distinctive culture

Reputation is under threat

Definitions of culture.

City of Montreal.

AFA definition of culture.

Funding stream that incorporates the arts

Economic Impact

Understanding ways means pragmatic

Definition isn't just “what it is”

A definition under this needs more discussion

Is our culture farming rural, outdoor, urban.

Sum extension

Government policy + progress

Calgary Councils

Champions we know what they are talking about.

Can AFA handle $40 – 50 million in funds with current structure?

Presence of AFA & Province in Calgary lacking?

Sponsors should talk to province

Process

Liberal government cultural policy

MLA's vs Aldermen

25,000 names

Alberta's Camelot

Keep encouraging Government it is necessary.

CPAA could hold political debate on the arts.

Issue/Topic: Sustainability

Suggestions to improve sustainability of the arts sector include mentoring /support of large to small organizations, surplus matching by the provincial government to build an endowment fund for the arts, using the Heritage Trust fund to underwrite the arts on a long term basis, and creating a Provincial arms length entity that would oversee strategic sector development.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

What is sustainability? Long term – Funding is a large topic. Non-funding related things.

Non-audience development.

Innovation outside the box how your company builds for the long term.

Intrinsically measured to growth. There may not always be surplus in the future.

Endowment. Most arts groups operating break even or have a surplus.

Why doesn't the province match those surpluses? Build profitable organizations.

Recognize organizational track records. Communication in terms of sustainability. Creative communication to community.

Finding and attracting best possible people. Maintaining what are you doing.

Sheltering organizations by providing accounting services for small companies. Bigger should assist smaller.

Resource center for non-profits is it totalitarian. Incentives laid way to allow companies to do it.

Do books for smaller organizations.

Without community engagement, human capital won't happen.

Selling yourself short focused operations vs. development and expansion of the program.

Loosing people to private or non arts sector.

People with skill in Fund development – Box Office Staff are terribly lacking.

Is the province to do this or does the provincial government need a CADA? If you need funding or help, who do you call? Arms-length organization that exists regardless of regime change.

Economics tied to education is there still a gap. We need this is here in this province. How do we move the perception? eg. France has a history of supporting the arts and Alberta doesn't, is there something we can do? It's a generational work 25-40 years out.

Celebrate success.

Scientific community in Canada produces top notch scientific research vs. the world. We have done great things with what we have to work with.

Leg of sustainability – innovation idea like artists free space for a free break.

Huge earthquake of retirement of senior artists then what?

Not encouraged to take up the arts as a viable occupational choice.

Affordability - $80.00 for one hockey ticket vs. $80.00 for 4 theatre tickets.

Incentives to stay.

Action Items/Next Steps:

Mentoring /support of large to small organizations

Surplus matching by provincial government to build and endowment fund for the arts.

Take money from the Heritage Trust fund to underwrite the arts on a long term basis.

Provincial arms length body that would oversee funding, policy, endorsements, endowments etc.

Issue/Topic: Youth & Education

The arts benefit the health and quality of life for our children and are an integral part of our education system.

Discussion Notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations:

Education gets its own funding so how will this bridge education & culture so they are not compartmentalized.

Promotion of the arts for children – many look to school for an for introduction to the arts.

Promotion of the benefits of the arts – their role in development of children. Mentally, academically, socially and academically.

Collaboration at government levels so that the benefit of the whole child is viewed.

Arts & culture have health benefits which in turn can have economical impacts it not supported.

ie. stress is leading cause of employee absenteeism but if supported it may impact.

Action Items/Next Steps:

Tax deductible for art classes for children.

Benefits for health and quality of life over the long term benefits the community.

Subsidize children's art and cultural activities

Make culture & arts for children a priority.