[e-drive] EQUIFLASH [CULTURAL DIPLOMACY FUNDING CUTS ARE LATEST ATTACK ON THE ARTS]

[CAEA News Bulletin Service]

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EQUIFLASH - CULTURAL DIPLOMACY FUNDING CUTS ARE LATEST ATTACK ON THE
ARTS
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For immediate release August 11, 2008

Canadian Actors' Equity Association condemns the Tory Government's
recent termination of key cultural diplomacy funding programs. "Given
the censorship elements of Bill C-10, followed by almost zero
recognition of the Canadian arts and culture sector in the 2008-09
federal budget, it is hard to interpret these cuts as anything but the
latest move in an ideological attack on the arts." states Arden R.
Ryshpan, Executive Director.

Quotes attributed to Kory Teneycke, the Prime Minister's press
secretary, in today's Globe and Mail (" ... the [funding] choices made
were inappropriate ... inappropriate because they were ideological in
some cases, with highly ideological individuals exposing their agendas
or [money going to] wealthy celebrities or fringe arts groups that in
many cases would be at best, unrepresentative, and at worst,
offensive"), confirm a deliberate attempt on the part of the government
to curtail and constrain artistic endeavours which don't match political
dogma. 

Ryshpan continues "No matter how the Tories try to justify it, failing
to continue funding a much needed $4.7 million dollars for PromArt and
another $9 million for Trade Routes, in an already under-supported
sector is unlikely to effect a significant change to Canada's balance
sheet. However such cuts will ensure that homegrown opera, dance and
theatre are denied a place on the world stage."

Surprisingly these cuts come on the heels of The Conference Board of
Canada's August 2008 report estimating the economic contribution of
Canada's culture sector has increased to 7.4% of Canada's total real
GDP. The report also finds that the creative economy's importance as an
engine for economic growth is growing.

Canadian Actors' Equity Association is the voice of professional artists
working in live performance in English Canada. It is a national artists'
association representing more than 5,500 performers, directors,
choreographers, fight directors and stage managers working in theatre,
opera and dance from coast to coast.

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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria Street, 12th floor
Toronto, ON  M5C 3C4
communications at caea.com
http://www.caea.com