CIMA Applauds $1.87 Billion for Arts and Culture in 2016 Federal Budget
March 23, TORONTO – CIMA is pleased and encouraged by the significant funding that has been dedicated to the arts in the 2016 Federal Budget, and looks forward to working with the government in order to strengthen policies and create more opportunities to support the independent music community across Canada.
Independent music has long benefited from collaborating with institutions like the CBC, such as through its 2016 Searchlight competition to showcase talented emerging artists. We applaud the $225 million the CBC will receive over the next two years alone, and the increased opportunities this will create for Canadian artists to share their music with the world.
Additional funding for programs like Showcasing Canada’s Cultural Industries to the World will help independent musicians promote themselves abroad. CIMA was a major proponent of similar programs like Trade Routes in the past. We consequently welcome federal support for this kind of cultural initiative, which will facilitate trade missions and other platforms by which Canadian artists can reach a global audience.
Independent music is also vital to the diversity of Canadian arts and heritage, as well as our rich cultural and community infrastructure. CIMA stands behind the federal government in its funding of new Cultural Spaces and Regional Development projects, and looks forward to the way independent musicians will no doubt join in these initiatives.
Along with the prominent role that musicians will play in commemorating the 150th anniversary of Confederation and Canadian storytelling in 2017, the significant funding dedicated to the arts in this year’s budget shows a welcome appreciation for cultural creators. It confirms that the government will recognize and encourage the vital contribution that Canadian musicians make to our shared traditions, economy, and international profile.
CIMA is very receptive to the fiscal course selected by Minister Morneau as it relates to helping independent Canadian artists flourish nationally and in global markets.
More information on the Budget, “Growing the Middle Class”, can be found at the Department of Finance website, along with a digital version of the Budget itself.