From the Desk of Alain Pineau: CCA National Policy Conference

I am grateful to each and every one of you for attending, participating and voicing your opinion at our National Policy Conference last week. Artists: Powering the Creative Economy?  proved to be a thought provoking two days which placed artists at the centre of the conversation. 

We explored questions regarding where artists stand in Canadian society and how artists interact with Canadian and international audiences. We spoke about how the roles of artists are changing in our urban, rural and cultural communities. We also debated the types of new business models necessary for artists to participate in a society and an economy transformed by the digital revolution.

I am extremely pleased to thank the diverse voices heard over the two days – from artists to leaders of major arts organizations, from emerging arts professionals, to participants from both English and French Canada, and delegates from every province and two territories!

As we explained during the conference, this diverse gathering was part of a process for the CCA.

I invite you all to join the CCA as we move on to the next steps in the discussion of arts, culture and heritage in Canada. This conversation will be brought to the CCA’s National Advisory Committee on Priorities and to the Board of the CCA, both of which will outline priorities for cultural policy in the coming two years and the methods we will use to research and advocate these themes.

You can help us by starting this process today! Please read Garry Neil’s summary of the conference and post your comments below.

Also, be sure to check out our photo album for the CCA’s 65^th anniversary gala celebration and  awards ceremony, as well as the conference!