Recent bulletins from the Canadian Conference of the Arts and the Arts Advocate discuss the meaning of the recent Speech from the Throne and federal budget as it impacts the arts and culture sector.

The Arts Advocate commented that the Budget included no specifics for arts and culture, but that culture watchdogs should monitor the budget's comment that there would be closer scrutiny on discretionary spending.

The CCA noted that although the budget called for stable funding with no cuts, it also did not include any new investments into the creative economy.

John McAvity, Executive Director of the Canadian Museums Association commented in the Globe & Mail: “We're of course disappointed there's nothing new. But it is very clear that we are facing an avalanche of cuts to come and nobody is going to escape it." "Flaherty keeps status quo for arts and culture", Globe & Mail. March 4, 2010.

The Arts Advocate : No specifics, but scrutiny on discretionary spending needs to be monitored

Yesterday’s federal Speech from the Throne laid the foundation for today’s budget, one that focuses on fostering innovation and growth for Canada’s economy and returning Canada to a state of fiscal balance.

References to the cultural sector were limited to the government’s commitment to strengthen copyright laws, a longstanding promise over the years.  In a similar vein, today’s federal budget speech was silent with any specifics on the arts and cultural sector. As anticipated though, Finance Minister James Flaherty outlined the federal government’s commitment to scrutinize discretionary spending, something arts and cultural policy watchers will monitor closely.  The government is looking to secure $17.6 billion in savings over five years.  How this will roll out to affect the cultural sector will be seen over the coming months and years.That said, the sector will be pleased with the stated conclusion, found deep in the annexes of the budget, that last year’s strategic reviews of cultural crown corporations such as the Canada Council for the Arts and the National Film Board determined that reallocations (of their program spending) were not necessary as programs delivered by these organizations are aligned with the priorities of Canadians.

The Arts Advocate Report will continue to follow the budget developments and keep subscribers up to date as the details become clearer over the coming weeks.

Canadian Conference for the Arts.Stable funding with no cuts.. but no new investments into the creative economy.

The 2010 Budget includes stable funding to arts and culture with no cuts, but also yields no new investments into the creative economy. The CCA sees no investment towards cultural infrastructure, or funds for promotion abroad and audience development. It is encouraging that charities are given more flexible means to conduct business, and research granting associations will have an increased ability to fund higher education within the knowledge economy.  Moving forward, some concerns include administrative reforms, freezes on departmental operating budgets, and changes to strategic reviews. These measures may not be viewed as cuts at the moment, but may lead to financial difficulties for the arts sector down the road.  Read full details on the CCA website