COMMITMENT | Investing in culture always pays off

Translation of the letter published in the Devoir on February 18.
Link to the original text in French here.

 

Culture is at the core of Quebec’s identity. It bears our collective memory, it’s a reflection of who we are and it inspires our future. At this critical moment in the defense of our identity and as we face growing economic uncertainty, the Legault government’s cuts are weakening our cultural industry and the artisans behind it. It is time to change our approach. A renewed political engagement towards culture is necessary.

First, we support the Front commun pour les arts and believe it is imperative to acquiesce to their demands by increasing and enshrining the budgets of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec. Previsible funding will enable us to improve what’s offered to citizens, to support our emerging artists and to allow Quebec talent to reach new audiences in Québec, across Canada, and internationally. 

The cultural sector represents 3.5% of Québec’s GDP and 4% of jobs, often in small museums, festivals and venues across Québec. Investing in culture is far from being a frivolous expense given its multiplying effect in terms of economic benefit, as well as direct and indirect revenues for public finances.

The alarming precarity in which our professional artists find themselves should also motivate us to fight for improvement of their working conditions and social security net, as requested by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. It comes down to countering the inevitable periods of uncertainty that are inherent to these occupations but also recognizing the fundamental role of artists in our society.

We must also make it easier to engage with museums and performing arts and increase the reach and the visibility of content made in Québec on digital platforms, as well as within the state’s institutions. For everyone, and across our territory.

It starts with enabling our teachers to share our culture with students and increase their participation in cultural events. By limiting the expression of their creativity and curiosity, the government fails to uphold its responsibilities, and this decision will have lasting effects on the renewal of artistic audiences. 

We must also enable museums to play their part in education, and the transmission of culture and cultural heritage. The government’s recent decision to abolish free and universal access to Quebec’s museums on the first Sunday of each month, a measure first adopted by a Liberal government in 2018, is a step backwards in terms of the democratization of culture.

In short, we must renew partnerships with players in the arts sector and that’s what we are proposing. Culture strengthens our feeling of belonging and our identity and enriches our quality of life. Let us not impoverish it.