The Saskatoon Forum

November 27, 2008


It’s a cold day in Saskatoon, but the sun is shining so brightly that I opt for the 30 minute walk that will take me to the Mendel Art Gallery, beautifully located on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River, where today’s Forum is held.

The turn out is good, some twenty-two people from various sectors of the arts, culture and education community having come to share views on the best way to position the sector's issues in public debate. We cover some of the same ground covered in other consultations, but there are some interesting and original points that are raised.

The first one is a suggestion that one of the reasons that arts and culture have a problem in getting support in a part of the population may be related to the long-held view by Protestant churches that hard work and sports activities are appropriate for a good Christian, but that the arts, while they may not carry the sinful stigma they once suffered from, are still considered a rather frivolous activity, not worthy of public support. It is suggested that maybe the United Church of Canada should be included in any awareness campaign about the importance of culture in our lives!

Here as in Toronto, it is pointed out that another reason for the lack of support may stem from the perception that arts and culture are akin to entertainment and as such, should not need or deserve public money.

On the issue the proper language to use in positioning the sector, someone comments that there is a world of difference for an advocacy group to be called “The Canadian Conference of the Arts” and “Sport Matters”, the former sounding rather elitist while the latter is much more inclusive. I must say that this comment has merit, although I am not quite sure we should rush to forego half a century of brand recognition without having weighed carefully the pros and cons of a name change… but eh, this may well be something to consider as we look at different scenarios on how to organize our common action!

The Saskatoon Forum concludes the tour of central and western Canada. Next week, five more forums in the eastern provinces will complete the series of regional consultations. Given the whirlwind nature of my travels in this last leg of the national tour, I can only hope that the weather cooperates and that I don’t get stranded in some snowed over or fogged in airport!