Election 2011: What about arts and culture?

Election 2011: What about arts and culture? I stole this title from an email from the Canadian Conference from the Arts (CCA). As an arts advocacy group, the CCA has been keeping an ever-watchful eye on the latest election campaign hullabaloo around the arts and culture sector.

And to be honest, I’m glad that someone is. I’m a bit of a lazy monkey when it comes to politics. If I had a choice between watching a political debate or watching paint dry, I might lean more towards the paint. Or at least catch the debate highlight reel.

I do, however, understand the importance of being aware and informed. So for those like me, who might be more inclined to read the ‘cheat notes’ version when it comes to politics, here are some reputable places to begin your election 2011 research.

1) The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) website

Who are they? The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) is the national forum for the arts and cultural community in Canada. It provides research, analysis and consultations on public policies affecting the arts and the Canadian cultural institutions and industries. The CCA fosters informed public debate on policy issues and seeks to advance the cultural rights of Canadians.

During the election period, the CCA has been posting analyses and information relevant to the arts, culture and heritage sector. They have also been watching as each party articulates their political platform with relation to arts and culture. So keep checking their 2011 election page for new updates.

This website also has handy things like a fantastic ‘CCA Federal Election Doorstep Kit’ so that you can ask informed questions when the campaigners come a knocking.

2) The Canadian Arts Coalition ‘Arts Vote Toolkit’

Who are they? The Canadian Arts Coalition (CAC) is a collaborative non-partisan movement spearheaded by a group of national arts service and membership organizations. They are united in the belief that the future of our citizens, their towns and cities and the nation itself depends on a rich, vibrant and diverse arts and heritage community. Since its inception, the CAC has successfully lobbied for increased support for the arts through the Canada Council for the Arts and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Their contribution to informing Canadians about the importance of arts and culture during this election period is a virtual ‘Arts Vote Toolkit’. Here you can find items like:

• The Arts: a story we all share – A document to share with candidates

• Talking with Candidates – Key questions and tips to use when candidates knock on your door

• Key Statistics on Arts and Culture – The arts have a big impact on our economy and our society. Here are some relevant statistics to illustrate that impact.

• Elections Canada – Information on where to vote, what you need to bring and who your local candidates are.

Has being informed ever been so easy?

3) Imagine Canada Election Kit

Who are they? Imagine Canada is a national charitable organization whose cause is Canada’s charities and nonprofits. They support and strengthen charities and nonprofits so they can, in turn, support Canadians and communities they serve.

To help us mere mortals wrap our brains around this election, Imagine Canada has also created a 2011 Election Kit. This particular kit includes, among other tools, a number of briefing notes on key issues facing the sector that have been identified through their National Engagement Strategy.

They also have a very valuable DOs and DON'Ts for Charities info sheet targeted for those interested in taking political action during an election campaign.

So there you go! Not only are there are plenty of ways out there to get informed, you now have the tools to become an advocate in your area for the importance of arts, culture, and heritage.