There was a report published last week that was commissioned by the (CDN) Federal Government on the value of culture.
"Valuing Culture: Measuring and Understanding Canada’s Creative Economy"
It was on CBC etc and you can (after going through a few hoops) download the report - it was done by the Conference Board of Canada as I recall
(I have the details at work - I'll try and remember to post them tomorrow)
Anyway, the gist of the report was that "culture" as whole contributes a significant dollar amount to the economy - 3.8% directly to Canada's GDP and impacts about 7.4% of the GDP (I think), as well as a similarly significant number of jobs - and that the "creative economy" (coming out of the cultural sector) is seen as a key driver of economic growth in the future, with creative people from the cultural sector being seen as having an important influence on innovation in many other economic sectors etc etc
tim
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Caroline Posynick
Sent: Mon 9/1/2008 12:36 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Museums & Politics
I have been a long-time lurker on museum-l, but feel the need to speak
up on the point of how museum professionals relate to
politics/politicians/elections. Being in Canada makes it a little
different, but ultimately the messages is the same: we need to be our
own best advocates.
Canada finds itself moments away from the announcement of a Federal
election (oh how I wished they were set dates, like in the US!). There
has also been a *brutal* list of cuts recently announced by the party in
power -- it is quite the opportunity to boot out this group. However,
we need to ask - nay, demand - that the others running for office tell
us what they can do for the arts, culture and heritage in our country.
And we can't just tell them 'we need this much money because it is good
for our country' -- we have to say why they should support us. These
points have to be so direct that the current party will hang their head
in shame when they have to tell us to our face why they see the need to
cut support to these programs. (They cut them as if no one would care -
and even insulted the whole profession while doing it! It is time to be
outraged!)
So what I plan to do is this: as a *private individual voter* I will
write both my local representatives and the national head of each party,
asking their stance on supporting museums, galleries and heritage
properties in our country. I will spell out the educational, community
and legacy aspects of why we matter. And I will say I need them I need
them to be sure to support us, not just monetarily (could be an
old-fashioned model...), but philosophically as well, for that is so
important when they set new policy. And museums so need to be at that
policy-setting table.
This is powerful time for the electorate here -- we are not
un-empowered, for each individual voter is making or breaking the
candidates' futures through their support. It is pretty wonderful that
both Americans and Canadians get this voting privilege this fall - I
hope to make the most of the opportunity by standing up and saying what
is important to me, for now is the time to tell the people running for
office that museums matter.
Off my soapbox.
Caroline Posynick
Victoria, British Columbia
[log in to unmask]
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