Effective Public Policies to Develop and Sustain a Vibrant Cultural Sector Fourth Inter-American Meeting of Ministers of Culture and Highest Appropriate Authorities November 20, 2008
2 Overview Developing and Sustaining a Vibrant Cultural Sector: Canada’s Cultural Policy Toolkit Guiding Principles Tools of the Toolkit Connecting Canadians Access to global and Canadian culture Promoting and Protecting the Diversity of Cultural Expressions Challenges
3 Canada’s Cultural Policy Toolkit: Guiding Principles Canada Supports Arts and Culture Because: Culture plays a role in civic life; Artistic expression is valuable to a dynamic society; Diverse voices and viewpoints enrich culture and society; Culture cannot fully thrive on its own; Culture and creative activities are drivers of the knowledge economy and innovation.
4 Canada’s Cultural Policy Toolkit: Tools of the Toolkit Legislation/Regulation Direct support Partnerships
5 Canada’s Cultural Policy Toolkit: Connecting Canadians Diversity in geography, languages and background Shared citizenship and values Importance of accessing Canadian diversity in a wide array of global choices
6 Canada’s Cultural Policy Toolkit: Access to culture from around the world and from Canada Belief in the creativity and dynamism of the marketplace Openness to other cultures enriches Canada Need to carve a space for Canadian culture
7 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions Recognizes the right of States to adopt measures in support of their diverse cultural expressions Recognizes the dual nature of cultural goods and services (economic and social) Entered into force on March 18, 2007 Ratified by 93 countries (including Canada)
8 Canada’s Cultural Policy Toolkit: Challenges New distribution models Retail and media convergence Demographic changes
9 Conclusion Addressing these challenges: Finding solutions both domestically and multilaterally; Guiding principles and areas of focus remain the same.