PC Vote - what does it mean for the arts?

So...I have just heard the news about the PC leadership polling results - Ed Stelmach.

While I'm sure voters had many reasons why they choose him, I want to focus on what it could potentially mean for the future viability of artistic creation in Alberta.

First off, as you may know, arts funding started to dry up in the 80's and early 90's. There has been no increase in funding through Alberta Foundation for the Arts (our main funding body) in 15 years. This is a ridiculously long time. As a prosperous province (and we all know it is!) we also need to have a vibrant artistic community. A great economy means nothing if we don't have a soul - what is the soul of Alberta?

If we look at which cities we consider to be great in Canada - you may think about Vancouver, Montreal...cities like that. Part of why people want to live in Montreal is the amazing arts - the fantastic Jazz Festival...they are world famous for it! What is Calgary world-famous for?

Anyhow - back to Ed Stelmach. His website & policies mention nothing about increasing funding. He makes no such commitment. No such mention. The only thing he says is to increase tax credits for donations for foundations and charities and matching donations to such organizations. The ideas are vague and brief. He also does not mention support for professional artists themselves.

I believe that without support, arts as a career is not viable. As you know, arts is generally not self-sustaining, but is something that needs public funding. As such it enhances the quality of life for all Albertans. In Europe these concepts are well understood, but somehow we are choosing to forget this....

Anyhow, if a commitment is not made to increase funding (we are already the lowest funded province in Canada by far) the quality of arts will decrease. Funding creates both time and opportunity, allowing artists to hone their skills to the best of their ability and create world-class art. We are creating instead a cultural 'void' where really great artists choose to move elsewhere....

It is hard enough to be an artist. Harder still to live in a province which shows no continued support.

If you care about this subject, one thing you could do if you wanted would be to let Ed know that we need Arts funding doubled (at least). That is the commitment Jim Dinning promised. Ed could at least match that.
Phone 1-780-481-0011Toll Free 1-877-483-0011
Email: info@stelmach.ca