Is arts and culture an election issue for you? PHOTO: Greg Petzold
Manitobans for the Arts hosted ArtsVote on Fri. Sep. 25, a federal election forum on arts and culture from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre, 140 Rupert Avenue in Winnipeg.
CBC’s Terry MacLeod moderated the lively forum attended by over 120 people and live Tweeted to nearly 1000 followers.
Federal election candidates Joanne Levy (Liberal Party), Pat Martin (NDP) and Glenn Zaretski (Green Party) responded to questions from the moderator as they highlighted their party’s position on various issues related to arts and culture.
“Arts and culture in Canada is at the very core of our collective identity. It tells our stories and reflects our aspirations. It allows us to know ourselves and to showcase what being Canadian is to the rest of the world, “ said Randy Joynt, Chair, Manitobans for the Arts.
“Public forums such as ArtsVote highlight the responsibility of government as the steward of our arts and cultural sector and allow the parties to put forward their arts and culture platforms so that citizens can make an informed choice when they vote,” Joynt added.
The Canadian coalition for the arts has an online election toolkit for those interested in encouraging discussion about arts and culture during the federal election campaign.
ArtsVote is organized by various arts and culture groups across the country. Together with colleagues in every region they in promote bold, visionary cultural policies and greater public investment in the arts as essential to fulfilling Canada’s potential as a creative, prosperous country.
Manitobans for the Arts was created in 2012 to advance arts, culture, heritage and creativity in Manitoba. It is a non-partisan, volunteer and member-led group that places arts, culture, heritage and creativity at the centre of our province’s prosperity and quality of life.
For more information, contact Randy Joynt, Chair, Manitobans for the Arts, tel: (204) 947-0984 email: gm@art-space.ca
