A who’s who of Canada’s art institution royalty gathered at the National Gallery of Canada on June 5 to discuss Canada’s Creative Power. The presentation and following reception were part of The Walrus Talks, a series of events on “topics concerning people in Canada today.” Nana aba Duncan, the Carty Chair in Journalism, Diversity and Inclusion and an Associate Professor at Carleton University’s School of Journalism, gave each of seven “royals” seven minutes to speak about why Canadian stories matter and how our cultural institutions give them voice.
Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson for the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), described the offerings of the NFB as “a counterpoint to the spontaneous and instantaneous” media that regularly overrun our screens. Given the endless scrolling that characterizes most of my time online, her words felt like a chilled drink on a hot day.
Each speaker reviewed at least one Canadian artistic endeavour, from TV shows like Schitt’s Creek and Allegiance to theatre performances like Come from Away, and considered the impact of these within Canada and around the world.
Leslie Weir, the Librarian and Archivist of Canada, told six stories of Canadian artists, like the celebrated Charlotte Gray, who use Library and Archives Canada to enrich our lives, share our histories and promote reconciliation with various cultural groups using different artistic media.
Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, explained that “Canada is a creative powerhouse” pulling far more than its weight internationally because our stories have an authenticity that enables them to “connect people, and foster empathy and understanding,” as well as “challenge our perspectives.”
The speakers showed us the breadth of Canada’s creative power by highlighting the national art we love. They stressed the importance of continued funding of our institutions to keep this art at centre stage at home and abroad.
Michelle Chawla, the Director and CEO of Canada Council for the Arts, explained that current media has disrupted how art is consumed, decreasing revenues, increasing costs, which has led to many artists to abandon their art and to artistic organizations going under.
The Talk acknowledged that the way ahead may be difficult to navigate, but the speakers did not hesitate to outline their plans. Christopher Deacon, the President and CEO of the National Arts Centre, said that Canadian art “create[s] a sense of belonging for Canadians” and that it depends on an “authentic relationship between leadership and communities.” He stressed that diversity in all fields (production, acting, directing, etc.) must be sought, “opening pathways for all cultures to express their stories.”
The Walrus is a registered charity and media outlet “invested in the idea that a healthy society relies on informed citizens.” Visit them at thewalrus.ca for information on upcoming events.
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