News Releases - 2011
Canada Council’s reach extends beyond 2,000 communities
Ottawa, October 3, 2011 – The Canada Council for the Arts provided funding in grants and payments last year to over 21,000 artists and arts organizations in over 2,000 communities, connecting them to Canadians in all parts of the country. The details are highlighted in the Council’s 2010-11 Annual Report released today along with data on how the funding was distributed.
The Annual Report documents how the arts impact Canadians and are a central element in community life. It uses stories about arts activities across Canada and testimonials from Canadians to illustrate the value of art experiences to people from all walks of life.
“During a time of economic change, the Council continues to be a critical investor in the creative life of the nation,” noted Council Chair Joseph L. Rotman. “Our commitment to targeted funding strategies ensures the Council’s investments provide maximum benefits for all Canadians.”
The Council also released a summary of its Corporate Plan for 2011-16, outlining strategies that will be followed to address the five priorities and three themes - public engagement, new technologies and synergy – that will guide its work for the next five years.
“The stories in the Annual Report illustrate how the Council’s work brings people together through the arts and fosters a sense of identity and pride within communities,” added Council Director and CEO Robert Sirman. “While the primary recipients of funding may be artists and arts organizations, the return on investment is a vigorous creative life that benefits all Canadians.”
Highlights of the Annual Report include:
- Over 21,000 artists and arts organizations in all disciplines received funding from the Council, including 17,000 authors who received Public Lending Right payments
- Over $140 million was awarded in 2,291 grants to individual artists and 3,807 grants to arts organizations, including theatres, dance and opera companies, orchestras, art galleries and artist run centres, film cooperatives and book publishers
- 721 artists and arts professionals from 169 different Canadian communities sat on
Canada Council peer assessment committees, which evaluate grant applications and prize nominations
- 201 Canadian artists and scholars received $3.3 million in prizes or fellowships
- Investment in the Council in 2010-11 was $5.31 per Canadian
The Annual Report, detailed profiles of Canada Council funding by province or territory, the searchable grants listing and the list of peer assessment committee members are available on the
Canada Council’s website.