May 10, 2007

NEW LEGISLATION RECOGNIZES IMPORTANT ROLE OF ARTISTS
McGuinty Government Passes Landmark Legislation

TORONTO — The Ontario legislature today passed legislation that will create a better environment for artists to live and work in Ontario, Culture Minister Caroline Di Cocco announced today.

“The McGuinty government is taking a leadership role in recognizing our artists and their significant contributions to Ontario’s creative economy, quality of life and sense of identity,” said Di Cocco. “This legislation formally recognizes artists’ contributions and introduces Ontario’s first arts and culture strategy. This is a significant foundation upon which to build a better environment for our artists to thrive.”
 
The Status of Ontario’s Artists Act, 2007:

• Formally recognizes artists’ unique economic and social contributions to Ontario’s society
• Introduces the province’s first arts and culture strategy
• Conveys the government of Ontario’s commitment to implement initiatives that enhance the socio-economic status of artists
• Declares the first weekend of June as Celebrate the Artist Weekend

This act is one step in the government’s strategy to help artists in the province make a better living. 

“This government understands that while recognition is important, artists continue to face challenges in pursuit of their art,” said Di Cocco. “Artistic communities foster innovation, creativity and a quality of place that gives our province a 21st Century competitive edge. Just as importantly, artists express the spirit and dreams of a society. I am proud that our government is helping them to reflect the best of who we are to the world.”

Other McGuinty government initiatives to improve the lives of artists include:

• Strengthening the guidelines for Ontario’s child performers in the entertainment industry
• Developing new learning and development opportunities for artists
• Boosting annual funding to the Ontario Arts Council by 38 per cent to $55 million over the next three years
• Increasing funding to the Ontario Trillium Foundation by 20 per cent over three years to $120 million
• Providing $10 million in one time funding to the Arts Endowment Fund.

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Contacts:
Mark Thompson, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4071
Guy Lepage, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497

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