Ontario Arts Council Marks New Funding Announcement with Release of Strategic Plan arcco e-bulletin vol.1 #5 contents
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| "In Toronto, on July 3, 2003 - The Honourable David H. Tsubouchi, Minister of Culture for the Province of Ontario, announced that the arts sector would receive an additional $ 15 million over two years through the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). The new funds will be added to OAC's existing allocation of $25 million - $7.5 million will be added to the base this year and an additional $ 7.5 million to the base next year. This exciting news was accompanied by the launch of OAC's new three-year strategic plan.” Arts community applauds David H. Tsubouchi's annoucement of $15 million for the arts The several hundred people crowded into the new premises of Prefix Photo burst into applause following the Minister's annoucement. While none of the cultural workers in attendance were surprised by his statement that "arts & culture contribute 1.8 billion dollars to Ontario’s economy" they may have been shocked to hear a representative of the Eves' government say that we should “value arts and culture for it’s own sake because it affects us as human beings and brings meaning to our lives.” If Minister Tsubouchi's statements truly reflect the attitude of the Provincial government, we really can believe that arts funding in Ontario has turned a new corner. Winsom was among the many artists and representatives of arts organizations taking the opportunity to personally thank Minsiter David H. Tsubouchi OAC representatives: Granting Programs Director Billyann Balay, Executive DirectorJohn Brotman and Chair Julia Foster "By investing in the work of professional artists and arts organizations across the province, the government is enriching the lives of Ontario's people and its communities," said Julia Foster, Chair of the Ontario Arts Council. "We are celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, and this is tremendous recognition of the value of public funding to the arts." Following the announcement, the Ontario Arts Council unveiled it's three year strategic plan. The plan consists of the following four goals with specific strategies listed under each of the headings: Investment in the Arts, Community Participation, Strategic Leadership and Financial Stewardship. In addresssing the plan, John Brotman reiterated that the 7.5 million that was being immediately added to OAC's budget would be reflected in this year's grant results. He did add the cautionary note that not everyone will benefit equally. He stated that the OAC has been spread too thin and could no longer be all things to all people. He pointed out the OAC's first goal which makes two references to "focusing on key/anchor organizations" and targeting organizations that "have potential to make a significant impact to their art form and ...their communities" Programs that were definitely targeted for increases under the first goal are grants to individual artists with a commitment to ensure that 20% of the granting budget goes to artists and collectives. The budget for technical assistance program for arts organizations is also going to be doubled. Other goals indicate a focus on key areas of arts education and touring as well as cultural diversity and Aboriginal and Franco-Ontarian identity. The full details of the plan can be found on the OAC's website. Brotman also announced that the OAC was immediately launching a new website with a commitment to making grant results available on the web as soon as possible. OAC Visual Arts Officer Carolyn Vesely with ARCCO Executive Director Jewel Goodwyn and OAAG Executive Director Demetra Christakos We were pleased to hear this news for the Ontario arts community! It was no small feat, and was brought to fruition due to the tireless efforts of the OAC board and John Brotman, alongside the receptive Honourable David H. Tsubouchi, Minister of Culture; however, it was not so long ago that this same government cut OAC by 40% between 1996 and 1998, resulting in a loss of approximately $150,000,000 from 1996 through 2003, meaning a loss of a vast number of cultural activites in Ontario.What will this mean to the Visual and Media Arts Artist- Run Centres and Organizations operating program? Our program is among the 13 sections with operating clients eager to find out! We will soon know. Following their strategic plan, and internal recommendations from the different sectors, the OAC Board will be deliberating over their budget on July 23. Clients in Operating Programs should have their results by August 15. Carolyn Vesely with Open Studio's new director Heather Webb Operating program clients: The average among organizations receiving annual OAC operating funding is 6% of their operating budgets. Any organization below this amount can expect to receive a top- up to 6% of their budgets. Organizations who have received lower funds due either being new clients and OAC’s frozen budgets, can also look for some adjustments in their grants, providing they applied for more funds for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Visual and Media Arts Artist- Run Centres and Organizations operating program Recap: In 2002-2003 the program budget was $932,000, with 36 successful clients. 4 organizations were granted less than $10,000 8, organizations were granted between $10,000-$20,000 12 organizations were granted between $20,000-$30,000 7 organizations were granted between $30,000- $40,000 5 organizations were granted more than $40,000 The afterglow of July 3 is quickly wearing off as our colleagues at the Ontario Arts Council are reworking their budgets to fall in line with the $7.5 million figure. | ||||
| +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Important Member Dates and Information July 1, 2003: ARCCO Membership Fees are due. Membership Renewal Forms will be sent under separate cover in another ARCCO email. September 26-28, 2003: In Toronto, ARCCO AGM, Members Forum and Meeting with Funders September 26, 2003: Members Forum, WARC, Suite 22- 401 Richmond Street, Toronto, time TBA September 27, 2003: Day long Session FACE to FACE with FUNDERS, OAC Board Room, 151 Bloor Street, 5th floor, Toronto, timeTBA September 28, 2003: ARCCO AGM, WARC, Suite 22- 401 Richmond Street, Toronto, time TBA October 15-17, 2003: In Quebec City, OFF PUBLISHING; Symposium on Publishing Issues in Artist-Run Centres Organized by the Regroupement des centres d’artistes autogérés du Québec and La Chambre Blanche, at the Holiday Inn Select - 395 rue de la Couronne, Quebec City February 25-29, 2004: In Vancouver, InFest: International Artist Run Culture Organized by PAARC, this will be a multifaceted event that will include exhibitions, discussion forums, networking events, social events, and public education programs. Please review your calendars for these important dates and activities. The ARCCO ebulletin, Vol.2, No.1, detailing some of the information listed above will be sent to you before July 30. We hope that you having a good summer! Cheers! Jewel Goodwyn, Executive Director and Gary Hall, ARCCO President
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