The Mark 2010

For every dollar the government gives to the arts, the country benefits both economically and culturally.

Most of us would agree that art and culture are important to our identity in Canada. While we have a long history of "punching above our weight" on the world stage, producing a long list of highly successful artists in numerous disciplines, the reality for most in the arts community is not so glamorous. Many artists barely live above the poverty line. Yet, while their lives may be materially sparse, their quality of life is enriched through giving back to their communities, teaching others, developing new skills, and helping to shape the thought and identity of the country.

When someone makes the choice to pursue a career in the arts, it is often done with the knowledge that the odds of gaining financial security are stacked against them. While this type of informed decision may be used by some to justify cutting public funding to arts programs, the reality is that the work of people who are dedicated to the artistic heritage of our country benefits everybody, both culturally and financially. Here's how:

My own experience on the matter is in the music realm, so that's where I'll start. Musicians are always the last to get paid. The money that artistic performances generate goes right back into the community. Managers, labels, agents, technicians, printers, promoters, manufacturers, and everyone else directly involved in the music industry get their cut first. Many more are employed by the arts in almost every sector of the economy. Concert halls, festivals, distribution houses, theatres, pubs, coffee shops, and every other type of venue employ people. When artists travel the country, often by car, they are generating revenue and income everywhere they go. It’s a pretty safe bet that on any given night, there are dozens of bands sleeping in hotels in small regional hubs like Thunder Bay, Brandon, or Lethbridge. Even if the locals never go to a show, their economies see the benefit of touring bands.

According to the government's own studies, every dollar spent on arts funding brings back more than a dollar in tax revenue. Investing in arts infrastructure is like investing in forestry - if we put public money into it, it will stimulate growth, which will employ people, creating more tax revenue. If forestry investment creates jobs where there are trees, arts investment creates jobs in arts communities.

Unfortunately, arts funding is sometimes thought of as artistic welfare for a small group of self-important elitists. I prefer to think of it as a deep, fundamental affirmation that our society believes creative thinking is important. Would we rather our kids watch television all weekend than take music lessons? Acting classes? Dance? Are we more interested in reality television than we are in reality? Heaven forbid we should raise individuals that add to and affect the world around them instead of simply being affected by it.

As I mentioned before, Canada has always punched above its weight in the entertainment industry. The number of internationally acclaimed artists we've produced, from Celine Dion to Margaret Atwood, is simply astounding considering the country’s size. This is not a coincidence – it is because we have traditionally fostered a society that promotes from within, that gives young minds the confidence to follow whatever creative paths they wish to follow. The other thing to think about is that all of these people draw the world's attention back to Canada. It's cultural advertising, pulling in tourism and investment. Canadian culture is very dear to me and most of the people I know. Mr. Dressup, Anne Of Green Gables, the NFB, Kids In The Hall, CBC Radio, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Stompin’ Tom Connors, Farley Mowat, Leonard Cohen, Michael Ondaatje, W.O. Mitchell, Douglas Coupland – all of these have shaped us into a small country with big ideas, internationally respected for our humour, our art, and our way of life. I would feel ashamed to lose such a heritage.