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October 08, 2008: Canadian cultural workers rally for funding
PWAC joined The Writers Guild, ACTRA, The Writers Union and many other arts and culture organizations along with hundreds of individual artists for a boisterous rally in front of the CBC Broadcasting Centre this afternoon.
The gathering was called to rally for political party support for increased arts funding. The point was made, again and again, that the cultural sector delivers many billions of dollars into the Canadian economy, even now in a time of economic crisis.
The Writers Guild and ACTRA have released the following statement concerning the rally:
ARTISTS TAKE TO THE STREETS OF TORONTO TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF CANADIAN CULTURE
Vote for Culture on October 14
For Immediate Release:
Toronto (October 8, 2008) - Top artists, from all creative disciplines, came out in force today to encourage Canadians to vote for culture on October 14. The Toronto rally, organized by ACTRA and the Writers Guild of Canada, overflowed the boundaries of Simcoe Park beside the CBC Broadcast Centre
"Today we're showing all parties that culture lives in Canada," said screenwriter and WGC President Rebecca Schechter (Little Mosque, 'Da Kink in my Hair). "It?s 1.1 million ordinary people doing millions of extraordinary things, but together we generate tens of billions of dollars for the economy. We're here to let all Canadians know that they can vote with their hearts and their heads in this election ? by voting culture."
"In this federal election, the economic value of culture and the worth of creative artists have not only come into question, they have come under attack," said Richard Hardacre, ACTRA National President. "We're asking Canadians to find out which of their candidates are the strongest supporters of culture, who will reverse the cuts to cultural programs, and who will stand up for Canada's creative and economic well-being."
Artists addressing the crowd included: Melanie Doane (Juno Award-winning singer/songwriter), Suzette Couture (screenwriter, Conspiracy of Silence), Linda Griffiths (playwright), Tabby Johnson (singer), John Mac Master (opera singer), Mark McKinney (performer/writer, Kids in the Hall, Slings and Arrows), Denis McGrath (screenwriter, The Border), Eric Peterson (performer, Corner Gas), Karl Pruner (performer, ACTRA Toronto President), Noah Richler (author), and Johnny Wright (performer, Dirty Dancing the Musical).
The performers reminded Canadians that if they enjoy music or TV, film or dance, theatre or art, they should vote for culture on Tuesday.
Organizations participating in the rally included the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects, Canadian Actors Equity Association, Canadian Arts Coalition, Canadian Copyright Coalition, Canadian Media Guild, Canadian Music Centre, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, IATSE local 873, NABET 700 CEP, Toronto Musician's Association, Stand on Guard for the CBC Coalition, Workers Arts and Heritage Centre in Hamilton, the Professional Writers Association of Canada, the Writers Union of Canada, and more.
The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) represents 1,900 English-language professional screenwriters across Canada. These are the talented people who create the distinctly Canadian entertainment we enjoy on our televisions, movie screens, radios and computers. ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 21,000 members across Canada - the foundation of Canada's highly acclaimed professional performing community.
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