It is lead up week to the Federal Election in Canada on May 2 and as usual the arts in Canada remain a largely neglected subject. It is amazing how difficult it can be to find out any information about each candidate’s vision for the arts. That is why I am so grateful for the thoughtful people at Opera.ca who put together a very special advocacy edition of their monthly newsletter High Notes.
Their Federal Election Toolkit is full of resources that include links to party platforms, a social media primer and a guide to the questions we should be asking our candidates. You would usually require a membership to access Opera.ca and receive their mailings, but as they have encouraged the widespread circulation of their resources you can access them all here for free.
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
#artsvotecan twitter hashtag – If you are tweeting about federal election arts issues, we ask that you consider using the hashtag #artsvotecan and tell everyone you know to do the same!
Initiatives for Service Organizations – If you are planning events or messaging for the election we can help you connect and share resources with others.
Social Media Primer – Wondering how to get involved in the social media universe? Here are some tips.
Key Statistics on Arts and Culture – The arts have a big impact on our economy and our society. Here are some quick statistics to illustrate that impact.
Dos and Don’ts for charities during an election campaign – Developed by Imagine Canada.
Elections Canada – Information on where to vote, what you need to bring and who your local candidates are.
Canadian Arts Coalition Facebook page – Join in on the discussion at: http://www.facebook.com/artscoalition.
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The Canadian Conference for the Arts tracks mentions of arts and culture in election news. Here is a round up from their weekly Election Monitor. Liberal Platform – Your Future. Your Family. Your Canada. Federal Liberals pledge to double Canada Council for the Arts budget Le plan d’Ignatieff penche à gauche (available in French only) Green Party Platform – Vision Green Media Release – Canadian media issues, pledges stable funding for CBC Green platform includes $450 M for CBC, Radio-Canada Les Verts seraient très généreux avec Radio-Canada (available in French only) MPs vow to quickly revive Copyright Bill in next Parliament Les artistes plongent dans l’arène électorale (available in French only) On April 5, Jian Ghomeshi, host of Q on CBC, opened his show asking “Who will speak for support for arts and culture in Canada?” In his essay, he voiced his concern over the lack of coverage for arts and culture by the major political parties during the election campaign. Click here to listen to the entire segment. |
Now get out there and vote, Canada!
