March 23, 2007

PROPOSED LEGISLATION RECOGNIZES IMPORTANCE OF ONTARIO’S ARTISTS
Province honours artists’ contribution to Ontario’s economy and quality of life

TORONTO —  New legislation was introduced yesterday that would recognize artists’ contributions to Ontario’s creative economy, quality of life and sense of identity, Culture Minister Caroline Di Cocco announced.  

“Our government is taking a leadership role in recognizing Ontario artists,” said Di Cocco.  “The proposed legislation recognizes artists’ contributions and establishes Ontario’s first arts and culture strategy. It is a major first step in our plan to create a better environment for our artists to live and work.”

The legislation, if passed, would:

• Formally recognize artists’ unique economic and social contributions to Ontario’s society;
• Establish the province’s first arts and culture strategy: this government will provide a clear vision for arts and culture, one that will serve as a guide in the development of future policies;
• Convey the government of Ontario’s commitment to implement initiatives that enhance the socio-economic status of artists. Undertakings include: training and professional development opportunities, audience development, promoting artists’ health and safety, strengthening arts and culture organizations, creating forums for artists to access information, promoting local cultural tourism and municipal cultural planning; and
• Declare the first weekend of June as Celebrate the Artist Weekend. This will provide opportunities to celebrate artists and their work in communities throughout the province.

The proposed legislation responds to recommendations included in a report created by the Minister’s Advisory Council for Arts and Culture. The report is based on the most extensive consultations ever undertaken in the province and reflects the views of thousands of individual artists, arts organizations, unions and supporters.     

“The report was instrumental in developing legislation that recognizes Ontario artists and improves their living conditions,” said Di Cocco. “I’d like to thank the members of my advisory council for their hard work and dedication and the more than 4,000 artists, arts organizations, associations and unions who offered their views during the consultation process.”

A number of non-legislative initiatives, developed in partnership with other ministries, will be announced in the coming weeks to complement the proposed legislation.  These initiatives will provide artists with specialized training, support and information that will help them earn a living in their chosen profession.

“By supporting our artists, we’re investing in the long-term prosperity of the province,” said Di Cocco. “Over the next two decades, job growth in the creative sector is expected to surpass most of Ontario’s other thriving employment sectors.”

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