Status of Ontario's Artists The Status of Ontario's Artists Act - The first step in the right direction!
Legislation has been introduced to Queen's Park that recognizes the contributions that artists make to Ontario's economy and quality of life.
Bill 187, Schedule 39 sets out the responsibility of the Minister of Culture to develop and implement policies relating to artists and the arts and culture sector. This is the first legislation of its kind in Ontario, demonstrating the commitment of our government to address issues that concern artists.
DGC Ontario applauds the government for laying this foundation and looks forward to working with all parties to increase public support for artists. This is an important first step for all of us in the cultural industry. This is an important first step but by no means the last: we look forward to the work that is yet to come.
The Status of the Artist Sub-Committee Report provides 23 recommendations that are based on the views and perspectives of thousands of individual artists, arts organizations, unions and supporters. Ron Haney, CEO and Executive Director of DGC Ontario was a Board member on the sub-committee. The report demonstrates where the proposed legislation could eventually lead us.