Creative Economy Advisory Council Act Update

Bill 211 - Creative Economy Advisory Council Act

This afternoon I had the opportunity to table my Private Member's Bill 211, titled “Creative Economy Advisory Council Act”. After extensive consultation with individuals and organizations in Arts and Culture, the feedback was overwhelming: artists, non-profits and other stakeholders want a seat at the table.

I would like to thank stakeholders including Calgary Arts Development, The Rozsa Foundation, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, the National Music Centre and West Anthem for initiating this idea that fills a gap that currently exists.

If Bill 211 is passed, the Advisory Council would be made up of at least seven members who have experience in a variety of the arts, culture and nonprofit sectors who would examine existing government funding, identify possible changes, enhance cooperation and coordination through recommendations to the Minister. It would focus on talent retention and development, coordination of provincial marketing and looking for ways to sustain and grow the industry.

It would also collect provincial data from a number of Ministries and provide recommendations to the Government on how to support and grow the Arts and Creative Economy in Alberta. Provinces like Nova Scotia and Manitoba have benefited from similar versions of this council.

Research shows us that not only are the Arts critical for a well-balanced society, they are also a key economic driver in a diversified economy. 

We all have seen the impacts of an expanding film industry in Alberta, but less public forms of expression like cultural heritage, live performance, visual and applied arts, written and publishing works, audiovisual and interactive media arts, sound recording, and architecture and design are being ignored. 

The return on investment in the arts is well-documented.

This is where you come in

As key members of Arts, Culture, Historical Societies and Non-profits, I need your help to support this bill.

Some ways you can help:

• Share this email with your networks

• Amplify my posts on social media, and tag me in your own

• Email Minister Fir’s office at [email protected], and copy my office at [email protected]

• Include information about this bill in your organization’s newsletters

I am currently booking meetings starting on June 5 with folks from the sector to discuss the Bill. Please reach out to my office to set up either a virtual or in-person meeting. If you would like a final copy of the Bill to review let us know.

I’ll also be travelling the province this summer attending events and festivals, so keep in touch!

As always, you can reach my office at 403-244-7737 and at [email protected]