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STATUS OF ONTARIO’S ARTISTS
ACT, 2007
NEW LEGISLATION RECOGNIZES IMPORTANT ROLE OF ARTISTS
McGuinty Government Passes Landmark Legislation
TORONTO - The Ontario legislature today passed
legislation that will create a better environment
for artists to live and work in Ontario, Culture
Minister Caroline Di Cocco announced today.
“The McGuinty government is taking a leadership
role in recognizing our artists and their significant
contributions to Ontario’s creative economy,
quality of life and sense of identity,” said
Di Cocco. “This legislation formally recognizes
artists’ contributions and introduces Ontario’s
first arts and culture strategy. This is a significant
foundation upon which to build a better environment
for our artists to thrive.”
The Status of Ontario’s Artists Act, 2007:
• Formally recognizes artists’ unique
economic and social contributions to Ontario’s
society
•
Introduces the province’s first arts and culture
strategy
•
Conveys the government of Ontario’s commitment
to implement initiatives that enhance the socio-economic
status of artists
•
Declares the first weekend of June as Celebrate the
Artist Weekend
This act is one step in the government’s
strategy to help artists in the province make a better
living.
“This government understands that while recognition
is important, artists continue to face challenges
in pursuit of their art,” said Di Cocco. “Artistic
communities foster innovation, creativity and a quality
of place that gives our province a 21st Century competitive
edge. Just as importantly, artists express the spirit
and dreams of a society. I am proud that our government
is helping them to reflect the best of who we are
to the world.”
Other McGuinty government initiatives to improve
the lives of artists include:
• Strengthening the guidelines for Ontario’s
child performers in the entertainment industry
•
Developing new learning and development opportunities
for artists
•
Boosting annual funding to the Ontario Arts Council
by 38 per cent to $55 million over the next three
years
•
Increasing funding to the Ontario Trillium Foundation
by 20 per cent over three years to $120 million
• Providing $10 million in one time funding to
the Arts Endowment Fund.
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