(This announcement was distributed November 23 by the Canadian Museums Association.).Ottawa, November 23, 2005 — Today in Montreal the Canadian Heritage Minister, the Honourable Liza Frulla, announced significant new support for Canada’s arts community, including artists and art museums. The federal government plans to increase funding to the Canada Council for the Arts funding to $300 million by 2008. This is exceptionally good news for the arts community, and many CMA member institutions.
Over the past year, the arts community, including CMA, has lobbied for this increase to the Canada Council. Compared to support for the arts in other countries, Canada’s funding levels have lagged near the bottom, well below levels elsewhere.
“This is incredibly good news for all of Canada. The Canada Council administers the programs that support professional artists, galleries, and museums. We are delighted that Liza Frulla has gone to bat for the arts community and that the government has moved quickly and decisively on this request,” said John McAvity, CMA executive director.
“This is one of two announcements we are hoping for — we are anticipating another announcement shortly for new funding to support Canada’s museums and heritage,” said McAvity. The proposed new Canadian Museum Policy is before cabinet this week. “This is another good news story: we are pleased that the policy has the support of the Conservatives, the NDP, and the Bloc Quebecois, as well as that of each of the provincial/territorial governments, and many other influential organizations,” said McAvity.
Liza Frulla has made the new Canadian Museum Policy one of her key priorities. “When the Museum Policy is announced this Minister will have done more for the arts and heritage sector than any other minister in memory,” said McAvity.
The existing policy is over 30 years old and does not meet the needs of museums today. Funding levels remain at 1970 levels, and have not even seen increases for inflation. CMA has requested $75 million per year in new funding.
Over 58 million people visit Canada’s 2,500 museums each year; they range from large metropolitan galleries to small community museums.
For further information contact:
Naomi Grattan 613-567-0099 x223
Monique Horth 613-567-0099 x225
Jim Everson 613-488-9916