Vote Culture

Today we're showing all parties that culture lives in Canada. It's 1.1 million ordinary people doing millions of extraordinary things, but together we generate tens of billions of dollars for the economy. We're here to let all Canadians know that they can vote with their hearts and their heads in this election — by voting culture.

— Rebecca Schechter (Little Mosque, 'Da Kink in my Hair)

Top artists from all creative disciplines came out in force on October 8, 2008, to encourage Canadians to vote for culture. The Toronto rally, organized by ACTRA and the Writers Guild of Canada, overflowed the boundaries of Simcoe Park beside the CBC Broadcast Centre.

"In this federal election, the economic value of culture and the worth of creative artists have not only come into question, they have come under attack," said Richard Hardacre, ACTRA National President. "We're asking Canadians to find out which of their candidates are the strongest supporters of culture, who will reverse the cuts to cultural programs, and who will stand up for Canada's creative and economic well-being."

Senior Artists

A study of the needs of Canada's senior artists has lead to a new organization to address the needs of this vulnerable group. See the Senior Artists Research Project press release for more information.