Learn English with the Honourable Tanya Fur, Minister of Arts and Culture and Status of Women. Minister Fur delivers a keynote address at the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Annual General Meeting in Calgary, Alberta on Nov. 22, 2019, where she announced a $4.5 million increase in funding to the AFA in the first year, and $39 million over the next three years.
00:00:00.000Thank you, everybody, and thank you, Marcus Trummer, for starting things off for us.
00:00:18.560We're going to talk a little bit more about you a little later in this event.
00:00:23.880But thank you for everybody being here today.
00:00:26.980And before we start, my name is Myles McDougall. I'm the MLA for Calgary Fish Creek and Chairman of the Calgary Caucus.
00:00:36.080And it's a privilege to be here today.
00:00:39.180Before we start, I want to acknowledge that Calgary is on Treaty 7 territory, home to the Blackfoot Confederacy of the Siksika, Kainai and Pekani,
00:00:49.000as well as the Tsutina and Stony Nakoda nations of Bearspaw, Chinakee and Wesley.
00:00:56.980this area is also has deep importance to the people of the metis nation of alberta region 3.
00:01:04.900i'm very honored to join minister of arts and culture and status of women tanya fur
00:01:09.940the bow board vice chair of the alberta federation for the arts
00:01:16.980andrew moscow president and ceo of the national music center
00:01:22.340and alberta's incredibly talented and talented artist and residents sharon rose kootenay
00:01:26.980This afternoon's announcement means a great deal for Alberta's Vibrant Arts Centre and the many Albertans who work in and participate in and experience the arts every day.
00:01:40.980To kick off this announcement, please join me in welcoming the Honourable Tanya Fur, Minister of Arts and Culture and Status of Women to the podium.
00:01:49.980hello everyone and thank you miles for that introduction i am thrilled to be here at the
00:01:59.880king eddy to share exciting news about arts funding in some way shape or form the arts
00:02:06.660have an impact on every albertan and we want more albertans to be able to experience the arts
00:02:12.720because alberta artists form the basis of the cultural fabric of our province and our lives
00:02:19.340are richer for it we are putting arts funding on center stage because arts benefits us all
00:02:25.980with jobs entertainment and new ways of understanding our world the arts brings
00:02:32.700humanity to our everyday lives if passed budget 2024 will give all albertans more access to art
00:02:40.460as creators as professionals and as an audience through grants for artists and art organizations
00:02:48.780and its art collection the alberta foundation for the arts is the government agency that brings the
00:02:55.180arts to albertans alberta is taking a responsible approach to investing in the arts a gradual
00:03:01.900funding increase to the arts over three years will bring provincial arts funding to record
00:03:07.100levels with more than 40 million dollars annually and brings us closer to the national average of
00:03:13.900arts funding across the country that's almost 40 million dollars in total provincial funding
00:03:20.380not including the millions in community grants available to non-profit arts organizations
00:03:26.700included in this funding is an increased investment to the alberta foundation for the arts
00:03:31.740of 4.5 million dollars in the first year and growing to more than 39 million dollars within
00:03:39.180three years this investment will allow the foundation to increase access and circulation
00:03:44.780of the art collection ensuring albertans can enjoy the collection firsthand the foundation
00:03:51.340manages one of the most active provincial art collections in canada it has more than 9 400
00:03:58.140pieces and is the largest public collection of visual artworks by alberta artists for example
00:04:04.460did you know the foundation has 21 artworks on display in the south and north campuses of bow
00:04:10.860valley college just a 10-minute walk away you can also find works from the collection in the jubilee
00:04:17.340auditoria mcdougall center or minister's offices to name just a few places when i became minister
00:04:24.140i had the opportunity to tour the afa's afa's collection in edmonton it is incredible it's
00:04:30.300filled with works of renowned artists the art collection needs to be shared so people in alberta
00:04:36.780can enjoy art across the province it shouldn't be behind closed doors locked away in storage
00:04:43.020we should do what we can so that all albertans can enjoy these breathtaking works of art
00:04:48.220that are so essential to the alberta story as i said when i had an opportunity to tour it and
00:04:53.740and pull out row after row of amazing art my thought my thought was this needs to be shared
00:04:59.180with more albertans in all four corners of the province and this increased funding to the afa
00:05:04.140is just one example of what those funds will be used towards i'm excited that this announcement
00:05:09.740will allow the foundation to increase access and circulation of the arts collection ensuring
00:05:14.780albertans can enjoy the collection firsthand we hope to share the news of even more exhibits
00:05:20.300coming soon the arts play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for albertans
00:05:25.740through grants and other programs to artists and art organizations in all corners of the province
00:05:31.660artists can pursue their passions and make it a career this supports economic development and
00:05:37.820retention of a skilled workforce because we want artists to stay in Alberta to share their talents
00:05:44.540and grow our creative and cultural industries the arts also foster positive health and well-being
00:05:51.660such as a pilot program we supported at the self-health campus here in calgary where patients
00:05:57.340and their families were able to relax and listen to musicians to support their recovery we are also
00:06:03.980thrilled about supporting a new initiative through our crowdfunding program star special talents in
00:06:10.380art and recreation star is using music movement and instruments to engage youth with cognitive
00:06:17.340disabilities to further benefit their current abilities and strengths in the performing arts.
00:06:23.660Alberta artists are telling our stories to the rest of the country, the world, and to generations
00:06:29.180of Albertans, and they are essential to sharing our unique culture, world views, and history
00:06:36.060through countless mediums. Our lives are enriched when the arts thrive, and this funding will make
00:06:42.860sure the arts are supported for the benefit of all Albertans, young and old. And when
00:06:48.900we build better communities through art, we make Alberta the best place to live, to work,
00:06:55.880and to raise a family. I encourage everyone to participate in the arts, whether it's
00:07:00.440as a professional, a hobbyist in a community class, or an audience member. There is so
00:07:06.440much wonderful art created here in alberta and so much more to come thank you thank you minister
00:07:18.840next to say a few words about this announcement and what it means for the alberta foundation of
00:07:23.400the arts is board vice chair labo labo is a successful entrepreneur and an active volunteer
00:07:31.160in community cultural events and exhibits. Please welcome Li Vo.
00:07:41.320Thank you, Miles. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am deeply grateful to our esteemed
00:07:49.560Minister of Art, Culture, and Satisfable Woman for the announcement regarding the increased
00:07:54.680budget allocation for Alberta Foundation for Arts. This commitment reflects a profound
00:08:00.920understanding of vital role that arts and the culture play in our society. The Alberta Foundation
00:08:07.080for Arts play an essential role in enforcing and enhancing the arts scene in Alberta,
00:08:12.920acknowledging its significant impact on the province's quality of life.
00:08:17.720As a provincial corporation under government of Alberta, the AFA is tasked with the supporting
00:08:24.040and nurturing the arts through the art grant funding the individual artist and art organization
00:08:32.200facilitating the growth of art sector operating under the guidance of alberta foundation for
00:08:39.480arts act of 1991 the afa reports to the minutes of art culture and status for women
00:08:46.920aligning its efforts with government objects in advancing the arts landscape in the province.
00:08:54.200The arts are not just a form of entertainment, they are reflections of our shared humanity,
00:09:01.080connecting us across differences and enriching our lives in profound ways.
00:09:07.400With this additional funding, we have the opportunity to further nutrient creativity,
00:09:12.440support emerging artists, and ensure that cultural expression survives in every corner
00:09:18.360of Alberta. I am honored to serve as Vice Chair of Alberta Foundation for Arts,
00:09:25.320and I pledge to work tirelessly alongside our dedicated team and partners to store this funding
00:09:32.440with integrity and vision. Thank you to the Minister of Art, Culture, and Study of Women
00:09:39.320for this perfect investment in arts. Thank you.
00:09:48.440Thank you, Lebo. Our next speaker is Andrew Mosgar, President and CEO of the National Music Center.
00:09:56.440As the founder of the National Music Center some 20 years ago, Mr. Mosgar barely needs an
00:10:02.840introduction. He's a key figure helping develop artists and youth music education programs.
00:10:09.080He is also co-founder and chairman of West Anthem, the Alberta Music City's initiatives,
00:10:15.160a non-profit organization advocating about opportunities to develop music
00:10:20.520city-friendly strategies in our province. So, no further ado. Thank you, Andrew.
00:10:29.000Hi, everybody. Minister, thank you so much for this wonderful and exciting announcement
00:10:33.480about increasing funding for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. How great news is that?
00:10:37.960let's give it up it's fantastic yeah um well labo thank you so much for that introduction
00:10:46.360and or for your comments and also thank you very much for your introduction uh just to just to
00:10:51.480recap a little bit about the national music center over 10 years ago while we were constructing this
00:10:56.120very building that you're standing in today the national music center as was mentioned just a
00:11:00.440minute ago co-founded the alberta music cities initiative along with the scotland foundation
00:11:05.160here in calgary later on this initiative became known as west anthem and together with many
00:11:10.600partners across alberta we began to work we began the work of creating a music strategy
00:11:16.120for alberta there wasn't one throughout this time we worked closely with the government of alberta
00:11:21.880and municipalities to help alberta see the potential of music and to develop strategies
00:11:27.240to make alberta a more music friendly region with the vision that it could someday be recognized as
00:11:33.400the music leader in western canada a leader in canada more broadly speaking in music
00:11:39.320and a recognized leader around the world along with other great arts and music cities and regions
00:11:45.720through this work we detailed the economic and cultural value of the alberta music
00:11:50.680ecosystem through the production and release of four detailed reports between 2014 and 2023
00:11:57.480These reports captured a snapshot of the music ecosystem in the province for the first time, the data in terms of jobs, economic output, as well as future strategies to harness the creative capital of Alberta's music sector and industry in the future so that we can continue to work together to create vibrant communities, create new jobs in the sector,
00:12:20.100attract and retain talent from other sectors who view civic vibrancy as an essential to relocating
00:12:27.700or settling or setting up a business in Calgary or Alberta and to fostering new year-round tourism
00:12:35.660opportunities. So since opening the new National Music Center Studio Bell in 2016, the National
00:12:41.860Music Center has been a catalyst locally, regionally, and nationally for creating jobs in the music
00:12:47.140sector supporting many many artists from alberta in a variety of programs and services that we offer
00:12:54.500here at nmc and has contributed significantly to the revitalization of calgary's east village
00:13:00.900and emerging cultural and entertainment district by attracting to date nearly one million visitors
00:13:07.940to east village since opening the national music center in 2016. i would also be remiss
00:13:14.180by not acknowledging the great marcus trummer who who started here at national music center
00:13:21.060in a program called jam club many years ago and now marcus not only has gone on to win awards but
00:13:27.860he's got an agent and he's getting gigs as a professional musician so um i just wanted to
00:13:33.700recognize marcus for your you know your incredible development as an artist we were here at national
00:13:39.540music center one of the first revitalization projects to be announced in 2006 and the king
00:13:45.220eddie where you're standing today was really the focal point because of the land where it's situated
00:13:50.420on and the music legacy that it contained for many many generations as our location choice
00:13:56.020for building this new center so today almost 20 years later many new infrastructure and housing
00:14:02.580projects have followed in this very neighborhood you know many of them central library platform
00:14:07.940the new convention center and many more to come national music center created canada's first
00:14:13.700permanent year-round home for canada's inclusive national music story and provided a space for
00:14:20.020the first time in canadian history to house four of canada's national music halls of fame
00:14:26.340right here in alberta establishing a hub for music in alberta for canada from this very location in
00:14:32.660calgary has created so many opportunities for alberta artists and creatives and has helped to
00:14:38.260amplify alberta's music ecosystem in addition to the nearly 1 million visitors that have come
00:14:43.860through our doors since 2016 we have also welcomed over 60 000 k-6 students in the programs over
00:14:52.3403 500 artists the majority from alberta have either performed on nmc stages or have worked
00:14:59.620in one of our creative spaces such our recording studios the national music center's digital reach
00:15:04.740has also grown to encompass over 62 000 followers and some of our content that we've created here
00:15:11.780have been viewed by over 3.3 million people around the world since opening in 2016. national music
00:15:19.540center has brought international attention to alberta's music ecosystem by hosting the first
00:15:23.860ever alberta music cities convention in 2022 which brought global thought leaders to this province
00:15:30.100to talk about alberta's future in music throughout many of these partnerships we've also helped to
00:15:35.220attract big major music events to the city including the canadian country music awards
00:15:40.420the juno awards and the canadian music hall of fame ceremony all of which have helped to amplify
00:15:45.940and shine the light on alberta's local music scene these impacts would not have been possible
00:15:52.340without the past and continued support of many funders especially the government of alberta
00:15:58.900who has made consistent consistent investments in bringing the national music center to life
00:16:04.900and these investments continue to make an impact similar to the ones that i shared with you today
00:16:10.020since we opened in 2016. furthermore we are very grateful that the government of alberta recognizes
00:16:16.180this trans the transformative cultural and economic benefits that music and the arts
00:16:21.860collectively bring to our province and are delighted to be here today to enthusiastically
00:16:27.540support the increase in funding to the alberta foundation for the arts in this in this upcoming
00:16:33.140budget year bolstering support for artists creatives and arts organizations such as national
00:16:39.060music center and so many great organizations and artists across this province will inspire greater
00:16:44.580artistic expression and creativity and the audiences they serve at a time when so much
00:16:50.500is changing in our world and and in the art sector specifically this investment will also
00:16:56.340help to create much needed vibrancy in our downtowns as well as creating and sustaining
00:17:01.540jobs in the sector and leave a lasting impression for everyone living in the province and for those
00:17:07.860watching and visiting this great province from across canada and from around the world thank
00:17:27.300is Alberta's artist-in-residence, Sharon Rose Kootenay.
00:17:31.820Sharon is an Indigenous artist whose stunning beadwork
00:17:35.300tell a story of cultural identity and place,
00:17:38.460and I noticed she's wearing some of her work today,
00:17:40.940it is beautiful as well she's a member of the alberta craft council and received in 2021 alberta
00:17:49.260craft council's biennial craft excellence award along with her collaborator jason simington
00:17:55.500she is also a founding member of the aboriginal arts council of alberta
00:17:59.820which facilitates traditional art instruction and culture retreats to indigenous youth and women in
00:18:04.940alberta i'm very very i was so excited to see that announcement and i'm really excited to be
00:18:22.940able to come in and speak with you a little bit about it uh arts is so important it is the center
00:18:29.660of my world i'm i'm an artist arts educator i'm a mentor i'm an active participant very
00:18:37.020enthusiastic and i have to say i want to come back to this particular venue i've heard a lot about it
00:18:44.700we have the commercial hotel which kind of is the counterpoint and i'll be there on saturday
00:18:50.220listening to mr steve mcqueen who happens to be from calgary anyhow as stated the significant
00:18:57.660increase in arts funding will ensure that Alberta artists and arts administrators and all creators
00:19:05.980will remain relevant and feel supported and the arts in Alberta will continue to flourish
00:19:11.980and actually increase quite a bit. So I was very honoured and privileged to be the Alberta Artist
00:19:20.060in Residence Arts Ambassador for this past year and my year is actually drawing to a close
00:19:24.860on March 31st. And so I'd like to kind of share a few of my reflections about the arts in the
00:19:33.220province. It seems to me that of all the ministries in Alberta, this one is the most important.
00:19:46.460And I'm very, very pleased to have Minister Fur as our minister. She's a wonderful woman.
00:19:53.240she's actually an arts enthusiast and a musician so I've heard and I don't think
00:20:01.520we could have a better minister arts arts in our province has the capacity to
00:20:08.180bring us all together in celebration and solidarity the arts enable our voices to
00:20:14.540come to the table to come to the stage and our creative endeavors from our
00:20:21.500long hours in the studio we get to bring them to the galleries into public art venues if anything
00:20:28.620the arts helps us to recognize their commonalities and understand our differences and we get to bring
00:20:35.660they bring us together and we get to experience and get to know each other a little bit better
00:20:41.180So on this wonderful day, I join all my colleagues from arts education to gallery administrators to heritage interpreters and those in health care that support healing and wellness through joy and therapeutic programs.
00:21:05.660I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much.
00:21:11.180And I do have a gift. Thank you. So, yeah, for you. So, as an Indigenous artist, we like to welcome people into our homes, and my project for the Arts in Residency year was called Pee de Guay, which in Cree means welcome, and welcome to my home.
00:21:34.080so I was thinking about you and I love your name so I would like to invite you
00:21:39.600for a little cup of tea, moose hide cheese. It's a beaded moose hide and there's little kind of,
00:21:47.120there's little fur fronds on it especially for you. Yeah, you're welcome. Thank you so much.