MLA Eric Robinson

Politicians will always play to an audience, more often than not serving up a mixture of blandishments and cure-alls that promise the world and under close scrutiny say little and offer even less. Canada’s lone NDP government in Manitoba has targeted Arts and Culture as an industrial base worthy of support and development. At the recent CCMA conference in Winnipeg, Culture Minister Eric Robinson delivered a factual, political speech that made clear his portfolio is an important one in cabinet. The one-time broadcaster and former CBC producer, Robinson was passionate in his delivery, detailing facts without hyperbole and making it clear that without political activism in the up-coming general election, the spectre of further roll-backs in federal arts funding will likely be forthcoming.

The following is an abridged version of Culture Minister Eric Robinson’s speech

“When it comes to funding arts and culture, we mean business here in the Province of Manitoba. That’s not to say we don’t have fun at it, but we recognize that there are great economic returns to be had when you invest in arts and culture, in addition to the  well-demonstrated social benefits.

“In 2007, Canada’s cultural sector employed an estimated 670,000 workers, between three and four per cent of total national employment.  This is equivalent to the agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas sectors combined.  A recent report by the Conference Board of Canada indicates that when direct and indirect contributions to employment are included, the actual employment figures for arts and culture are much higher, reaching 1.1 Million.

“So while the strength of Canada’s economy is most often associated with our abundant natural resources, these numbers suggest that one of our most valuable and often over-looked natural resources is in fact our artists.

“Without question, the cultural industries are a vibrant economic force in Canada, and Manitoba is proud to be a strong supporter of arts and culture.  Recent figures show that our government invests an average of 96 dollars into the arts per person in the province.  This is the second highest contribution of all provinces, falling just behind the Québec.

“Events such as Canadian Country Music Week attest to the value of our investment.  This week we congratulate the musicians, producers, sound engineers, promoters, distributors, sound editors, publicists and marketing specialists that make music their business.

“The arts and cultural sector generated 46 billion dollars in real value added GDP in 2007.  That’s about 3.8 per cent of the total GDP. New models that account for the spin-off effect on other sectors raise the actual economic footprint of the cultural sector to $84.6 billion, or 7.4 per cent of total real GDP.

“My point with these statistics is that they speak to the economic value of culture and provide compelling arguments for continued government investment.

“But the Province of Manitoba is not only interested in a financial return on our investment.  We believe that the social and intellectual benefits of the arts are far reaching.  Just as all of you invest your time and energy into making and distributing great home grown country music for reasons beyond money, so too our government invests in you and other cultural industries because doing so has value that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.

“That’s why my government is committed to supporting all aspects of cultural industry development, including community arts initiatives for all Manitobans.

“While the value of arts and culture activities remains difficult to quantify, there is a growing body of research that highlights the social benefits of cultural activities.  Benefits that have a positive effect on the economy over the longer term.  For example, studies of at-risk youth involved in arts programs demonstrate that participants enjoy improved self-esteem and ability to interact with others.  In many cases, this leads to a reduction in criminal activity and drug use, as well as improved success in the school system.

“My government is proud to provide ongoing support for the development of the entire music sector, from emerging musicians and producers to those who have led a full career.

“And by listening to what our artists told us they needed most from government, we have grown an Aboriginal recording industry that is second to none in the country. This is something I am particularly proud of and I would encourage you all to come back on November 7th for the third annual Manito Ahbee Festival for a chance to see some of our outstanding Aboriginal talent. Clearly anyone who thinks cowboys and Indians don’t get along has never been to Winnipeg.

“While there are positives I am also concerned by recent developments with our national government. Their decision to cancel the $9 million Trade Routes program, which played a key role in helping our artists reach out the world with their music, is of particular concern.

“I am concerned because I fear where these and a host of other cuts will leave our music industry in the future. I would urge you all, when the current federal government comes asking for your vote this Fall, to keep this in mind.