Comments on: Federal Cultural Policy Goes Pro-Rain, Anti-Cloud

By: 2011 Nominees in Random Order « Canadian Blog Awards

2011 Nominees in Random Order « Canadian Blog Awards — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:45:11 +0000

[…] Praxis Theatre – https://praxistheatre.com/2011/07/federal-cultural-policy-goes-pro-rain-anti-cloud/ The Seated View – http://theseatedview.blogspot.com/2011/04/sensitive-to-d-word.html Project: […]

By: Michael Wheeler

Michael Wheeler — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:11:47 +0000

Thanks for this articulate response Damien. I agree.

I did not hear the Heritage Minister on Q but CBC reports he said this:

“The SummerWorks festival received funding for five straight years,” he said. “The request this year was for $45,000. To be blunt, it had nothing to do with the Homegrown play. I haven’t seen it — I’ve heard the debate on it, but I’m not interested in it.”
“People can draw up whatever conspiracy theories they want,” he said. “The fact is that funding went to another festival, and other festivals are going forward.”

So to clarify – that the only theatre festival the PM critiqued publicly last year lost all of its Heritage funding with no reason given – and tat people are drawing a connection between the two – is a “conspiracy theory”. Wow there sure area lot of paranoid wackos out there!

Guess they think they can keep on getting rain without clouds.

By: Damien Atkins

Damien Atkins — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:06:38 +0000

I have to agree with Mr. Healey on his (and others’) use of the word “censorship” in this case. Sure, we’ll never know what really happened, but the coincidence (and timing) of the funding decision, and the subsequent illogical and more-than-vaguely sinister comments by Mr. Flaherty are too striking to ignore. A line has been crossed here, and it would be short-sighted of us not to recognize that. If you let these little sorties go unanswered, they just get bolder. It does not take much concentrated ill will to do the kind of damage that the Harper government has already done to the arts. It just takes a kind of disregard, a hazy kind of ignorance and mistrust that manifests itself in a few pointed and shockingly effective jabs. There are many ways to censor someone, and some of them are entirely (or mostly) placid on the surface. We would do well to read between the lines before the situation is more inescapably concrete. It is not hysterical to respond vigorously to even the mere suggestion of this kind of censorship. I agree with Mr. Zimmer that it would be nice if the arts community united itself behind some kind of positive message, but I would suggest that acting in one’s own defense, and in defense of a cherished and important principle is entirely positive. Being galvanized as a community is a good thing. In fact, if we do not galvanize ourselves, there is a chance (the size of which I admit is up for some debate, but a chance nonetheless) that in a few years we will find ourselves greatly diminished, fettered and afraid. And it will have happened bit by bit, little by little, slowly and incrementally enough that we barely noticed it and couldn’t rouse ourselves to respond to it. I find the outrage pouring out of our community to be very heartening. Outrage is entirely appropriate, and probably vital, if you ask me.

By: Nita Varma

Nita Varma — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 09:31:05 +0000

Last blog I promise. During my early twenties I applied at some unknown to me place of employment known as the BanffCentre for the Arts. I was just there to save money for a trip to Africa and chose them because I knew it was a place in Banff that I could have access to pianos. My coffee cart and I visited many places where the nature of not only artistic experiences but equally impressive the dialogues amongst the President and various levels of government, international diplomats and various artistic disciplines were observed. The BanffCentre an internationally recognized “jewel” underwent a financial shake-up during the eighties. In the presence of real cuts of government funding did they have to rally by creating other forms of financial support. One of the solutions they chose to pursue was inviting not only artists but individuals interested in using the BanffCentre as a site for conferences. It was an extraordinary clash of values to witness. I think what happened to Summerworks is direct censorship. I saw members of the public view certain projects or residency themes at the BanffCentre with equally strong vocalized forms of protest. These are real issues in the arts. Internally even within artistic circles was there strong criticism as to which theme had won place of residency or even 20th century opera performances (not easily accepted by the general member of public yet revered as excellent amongst the artists). The BanffCentre too had to struggle between generating higher levels of income by choosing to put on performances during their festival that carried greater audience appeal than answering to their true mission statement of providing a place for cutting-edge professional developement to top artists. The most emotional program to witness was the Jazz Program. Participants in that program were chosen purely on audition. People from poverty stricken backgrounds stood right next to graduates of the top musical institutions. By the end of the week they were all equal contributors to jazz compositions and levels of growth that dissolved all usual forms of external self judgement.That self-judgement universally in all artistic disciplines was regarded as a very real threat to access their talent, creativity and voice. My point being it is a shame that persons in the Arts face as mentioned real levels of poverty. To me in my work its a shame when seemingly nice people get sick. I don’t think anyone deserves to suffer or be censored. Media generated forms of art are so openly formulated to generate money. The entire emphasis of “how to improve your business” or self-improvement head spaces in general are real issues of illness people in society are suffering from. They are money based pursuits least concerned about representing anyones voice before their own. Doctors, artists generally seek a more higher level of exchange. It’s not their own voice that will garner success its ethical regard that surrounds there work that lends them the place of power and true respect amongst the general public. Corporate values using the arts as a way of promoting products while acceptable on certain levels cannot be determinants to members of the arts, medicine, academia or even research to comprimise the ethics, morality and levels of professionalism that lend a committment to the common man. Doctors disregard scientific research the minute harm to the public is observed. Pharmecutical companies using jingles to promote medications have no authority over the decision making of the doctor. They are powerless. They will lose that powerlessness the day medical doctors give up their ethical or moral regard to professional codes of conduct that place the well being of a patient above all other considerations. They are suppose to above any forms of manipulation and thus win the trust of the public. I can’t allow exploitive behaviour anywhere near my clinical practice. That Summerwork decision to put on a play stood for more than artistic truth or cutting edge theatre. It stood to represent a house of integrity, dedication to the well being of the public. Summerworks in my opinion would really be missing an opportunity to shine. If they engage in discussions about contempt towards the government or minimize the event as funding was achieved through other means….they missed a tremendous victory. That play was not about humanizing terrorists. That play represented a level of faith in the intelligence of its audience members. That play represented the fact we live in a country where it is not about external perfection but the capacity to reflect and to do so from as many viewpoints as is possible. Any government institution is well familiar all decision making to be of minimal risk to the public requires the input of many different schools of thought such as the opinion of the lawyer, healthcare specialist, financial advisor, mathematician, environmentalists…and traditionally views the health of their country through the arts. What does a country do when they are of true prosperity….they celebrate through the arts and reflect their voice internationally through the arts. Control or censorship is generally regarded as symptoms of not only fear and ignorance…but in this case the governments open lack of respect for Canadians to make their own minds up. This wasn’t an event of just censorship it was a direct hit to persons viewed as a threat. Summerworks should carry on and continue to promote themselves as not only a house of deep respect to Canadians but as guardians of health…they should be using this as a powerful example of their dedication to the public and welfare of the people. This doesn’t require exhausting emotional rhetoric or even protest. It simply requires the articulation of who they are, whom they serve and what they stand to celebrate. We are so lucky to live in a place of freedom. The Minister of Finance should immediately have had his comments responded to from a place of equal power. The theatre should have easily responded with statments that accountability and openess in the government’s reason for the cut would be sufficient. That the government’s decision is assumed to be in the best interest of the public and they should have no problems defending their actions. Accountability and openess is generally regarded in the educated levels of ethical conduct as “true justice”. This level of dialogue is perfectly within the generally known levels of artistic intelligence. The very dedication to these principles is the basis of theatre houses to agree or select productions that serve the public. Memberships or support from the public for projects or theatre houses standing for these principles is in my opinion of greatest demand. Teenagers coming into my clinic say the last place they want to go for entertainment is a movie. Theatre to me is potentially the most respectful place of social engagement that stands for them. You should check out the stuff they have to learn in school these days. Their generation is such a backlash to corporate idealism it isn’t even funny. There out to contribute to change. The very least we can do for them is to provide theatre houses equally supportive in fostering their right to true intelligence. Summerworks garnered attention on a national level and even international level. To miss the opportunity to promote this event as anything other than a celebration of art and how it very much is related to society, current day issues, promotion of health and well being is like…well, throwing away money. Eartha Kitt always attributed her success and career longetivity because she treated the audience like they were intelligent…..most brilliant artists do….

By: Michael Wheeler

Michael Wheeler — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:34:11 +0000

Hannah – you might want to get the whole sweat/blood thing checked out when you get a sec.

I try not to read the comments on articles in the press these days. I think a lot of major news organizations with significant traffic are still struggling with how to make them useful or interesting. To speak to your point – I was recently at a seminar held by Business for The Arts where it was revealed that established mid-career contemporary dancers in Toronto make roughly $18,000. Which without googling anything I’m gonna call that living $5,000 below the poverty line in a major world city. These are the SUCCESSFUL ones.

Nita – Thanks for the link – I might quibble with the notion of truth and art being inherently related – but it’s always nice to hear from Kevin Spacey.

By: Nita Varma

Nita Varma — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:09:03 +0000

You guys should check out this interview…it says it better than what i was attempting..THE POWER to express and move and inspire is part of the artistic potential…if anyone can get members of government to be moved by the written word…it’s the artists…go for it. If it’s done to the level of achievement many artists have completed….it’s next to impossible to not be inspired and relieved for the added insight…Harping on Harper is not art….harping is politics…what you guys do…is way past that. http://www.youtube.com/user/OvationTV#p/c/5/SmrJ7OHdlkk

By: Hannah Moscovitch

Hannah Moscovitch — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 04:47:39 +0000

Keep reading the comment sections at the bottom of the articles that cover the defunding of SummerWorks. Am seeing the words “hand-out to artists” and “welfare to artists” over and over…. As a seriously over-worked harried writer putting in my 60 to 80 hour weeks and wrecking my muscles sitting at my desk twelve hours at a stretch am getting seriously pissed at this insane lie and wondering if there is some Michael Moore stunt I can pull to convince these deluded people that we WORK VERY HARD for our dollars. Thoughts, theatre geniuses? Like maybe I invite one of these “tax payers” to take over my life for a week…(man I would love that, love to see one of the not-on-my-dime bloggers sweat blood doing my job)…

By: Nita Varma

Nita Varma — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:54:26 +0000

I apologize for the lack of sentence structure. It was written spontaneously. I wish Michael Healey a wonderful enjoyment of continued success. People that choose to access their personal cornicopia with or without the support of others will find nothing but success. This day and age fills people with a sense all ballots of choice are typed up by someonelse. I work in a clinic. We do not have the luxury of being “right”. In the realities of medicine we hope and stay tuned. Good prognosis turns bad and bad often turns good. Compassion, hope and the ability to comphrehend another’s subjective experience is what traditionally is taught at the basic university level as the basis of intelligence or the ability to hold an “educated” regard. There are plenty of intelligent Canadians daily applying such levels of intelligence and celebrating it through not only gratitude in their health but gratitude for the existence of others equally enthusiastic towards it presence. Intelligence in the form of compassion, hope and unlimited form of expression is a cornicopia for any that choose to take. This play is a success…..Summerworks has brought east and west together. Wouldn’t that be a success to be a part of. Bringing unity to a country as vast as ours by uniting voices of Canadians. Well done. Looking forward to further acts of cornicopia. The following is from my facebook post….in reading your posts I thought you might want to consider a victory of another kind that has taken place.I think there is a difference between a government for the people and a government that presumes to be of the people…Canada Council already does the type of screening to maintain the intergrity of artist pursuit. If your child revealed so…me existence to extraordinary talent it takes years of dedication, the presence of talented mentors and levels of professional development to fully be realized at levels people born to do what they were meant to do to be something our country should be proud of. They don’t just stand for freedom of speech or freedom of expression or the right to be treated with respect….they represent the communication that moves, disheartens, inspires, defines compassion and humanitarian regard as acts of intelligence…where one achieves the beauty of open expression from the heart it is always acknowledged whether privately or not in the surrounding souls….artists refer to this as authentic expression being one of the greatest achievements in their work…it bears no loyalty to a style, or technique…it has studied, mastered and attempts to release…you raise your children, love them, teach them technqiues, hopefully lend to their desire to respect their voice and others as true enjoyment…artists spend most of their lives struggling to lift fears or whatever the everyday person unintentionally allows to silence themselves…to write a controversial play or even to promote a financially sound budget requires the same type of courage of “I hope”….I hope we’re right. Hope is the presence of humanity…to me the greatest act of intelligence…you can’t study it…the statements by the Minister of Finance is that artistic institutions carry a sense of “entitlement”…this is dramatically disconnected to the realities facing anyone dedicated to promoting the arts…his view of them to me is a view for me of his own sense of himself and his right to determine where canadian taxpayer money goes…he’s entitled…but entitled to listen to the people of Canada…and if they are being treated as children that need to grow up…I think we may not be listening to a level of intelligence that represents the intelligence of canadians…those funny money people…they never have half the fun as children….children laugh and smile for no reason at all…and generally inspire parents to be twice the human being they thought they could ever be.

By: Michael Wheeler

Michael Wheeler — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:14:29 +0000

It has been pointed out to me that I may have unintentionally (unconsciously) proved Goodwin’s law to be true in my last comment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law

Anyhow – when they come for us – what I mean is defunding and closing down a number of the things that contribute to a healthy society. Not come for us to kill us – like the Nazis did.

Harper Conservatives are not Nazis. They are just misinformed and some of them lack compassion.

By: Michael Wheeler

Michael Wheeler — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:53:46 +0000

Jacob if I was the Conservative government, and this blog was a theatre, I would de-fund you for your comments. Would it be censorship? I don’t know.

Lets give what’s happening another name, if it is distracting from what’s going on: Just as long as it means taking tax dollars to fund art (or game show hosts) that meet the ideological demands of a government elected by a minority of Canadians – and taking money away from voices they don’t share values with. Lets give that a name and respond to that. Which I believe is what Michael has proposed.

The question of whether or not this is the right play to rally around doesn’t really hold my interest. I was on a camping trip during Summerworks last year and never saw it. Doesn’t matter – the point is not the work in this instance, but that theatres and theatre artists will not be intimidated into only performing works that the government approves of.

I agree with you that the cultural sector in general could be much better community members with regards to supporting other positive components of society. Here in Toronto there are a lot more opportunities to pair with affordable housing advocates, cyclists, transit advocates, anti-poverty experts and other sundry groups facing another mean-spirited ideologically driven administration.

Again, does it really matter who they come for first?