The Canada Council for the Arts announced today that it is adding $2 million to its existing support to individual artists and arts organizations to access international markets, bringing dedicated international market access funding this year to $7 million.
The increase will expand opportunities for artists to strengthen their artistic practice and engage more members of the public with their work as part of a broader suite of market access initiatives.
“Market access is a critical component in how artists enrich the lives of Canadians,” said Canada Council Director and CEO Robert Sirman. “This support is part of a broader strategy of the Canada Council to give artists the tools they need to not just make art but also reach the broadest possible public with their work.”
Changes to the Council’s support to market access include the following:
- $500,000 has been added for international touring in the performing arts. The funds will be awarded to projects that were recommended by peer assessment committees in the current fiscal year.
- The maximum grant level for international touring in the performing arts will be increased next fiscal year from $50,000 to $75,000.
- New market access strategies will be introduced in writing and publishing by reallocating existing resources, and in media arts through targeted interventions, to strengthen competitiveness in a rapidly changing marketplace. The objective of these strategies is to help these sectors pursue new market opportunities online and adapt to the technological changes in each sector. These initiatives support both national and international access and more details will be released in coming months.
The increased support for market access comes from in-year budgetary reallocations and is expected to grow even further in 2013-14.
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s national arts funder. Its grants and payments to artists and arts organizations contribute to a vibrant arts sector. Its awards celebrate creativity by recognizing exceptional Canadians in the arts, humanities and sciences. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO operates under the general authority of the Canada Council.
http://www.canadacouncil.ca/news/releases/2012/jr129852102176527638.htm