An inspired future for the arts – Canadian Arts Summit 2015
Speaking notes for Simon Brault
Canadian Arts Summit (An inspired future for the arts)
Friday, April 10, 2015
Thank you.
It’s a pleasure to be here with you this evening amongst fellow leaders in the arts.
I was delighted to learn of the theme of the summit: An inspired future for the arts. It is both a commitment and a statement of optimism and responsibility. An affirmation of hope and readiness to embrace our role today in shaping tomorrow. A role that asks that we find the way forward by consolidating our strengths, sharing knowledge and values, and innovating in an enlightened and courageous way.
Albert Camus wrote that “Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present.” I can certainly attest to the generosity of the arts community – the hard work, the spirit of collaboration, and the passionate and informed conversations we’re all engaged in – today and every day.
The theme of an inspired future for the arts supports and reinforces our own vision at the Canada Council. It’s the foundation for all our work. Especially now as we undergo a profound and necessary transformation to scale up our impact on the professional arts, and by extension, on Canadian society.
This evening, I’d like to share our experiences at the Canada Council as an organization transforming itself. I do this for two reasons:
First, in the interest of transparency, since our work affects so many of you in the room, both directly and indirectly. Second, to add to the critical conversation we’re all having to shape the future of the arts, including public funding of the arts. I’ll briefly describe the changes we’re making, why we’re making them now, and the importance of sustaining momentum for re-invention. Because we know sustaining momentum long enough to implement change can be the most difficult phase. And as my friend and colleague, the late Joseph Rotman said: “A vision is only as good as its implementation”.
Speaking of Joe, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge here the pivotal role he played in charting the direction we’re taking at the Canada Council. As many of you know, Joe passed away in January. He was an astute businessman who left the private sector at age 60 to devote himself to public policy.
Joe was a generous man in terms of philanthropy, and in his gifts of time and help to others. But perhaps his greatest legacy to the Canada Council, and by extension the national cultural landscape, was to encourage the Council to see itself as more than just a funding agency. He and I were firm in our belief that our “clients” are not artists but Canadians.
We shared the conviction that for the Council to remain a vibrant, relevant organization into the future, we need to reconnect with our original mandate to not only support the arts, but to also champion them.
Joe Rotman encouraged and supported my work to outline and lead the Council’s current transformation. On behalf of all of us at the Council, I would like to once again sincerely recognize this Chair and his role in plotting the Council’s path forward.
NT5
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