Canadian arts coalition urges government support for post-pandemic recovery
One Voice for Arts + Culture (OVAC), a network of Canadian cultural organizations founded in March 2020, has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Parliament members urging immediate financial support for the arts sector amid the COVID-19 crisis. The letter warns that without urgent aid, many organizations may not survive even a short period. OVAC proposes emergency funding for at-risk organizations, tax relief, and revised funding formulas for post-pandemic recovery. Brad Keast, co-founder and interim president of OVAC and president of the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, stated that the arts are essential for capturing national unity and healing. Patrizia Libralato, executive director of the Toronto Biennial, emphasized that artists and organizations are united in seeking critical support to preserve Canada's cultural fabric. The coalition aims to represent arts and culture organizations across all provinces and territories.
Key facts
- OVAC sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Parliament members
- OVAC was founded in March 2020
- The letter warns of a severe funding crisis for cultural organizations
- OVAC proposes emergency funding, tax relief, and revised funding formulas
- Brad Keast is co-founder and interim president of OVAC and president of the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto
- Patrizia Libralato is executive director of the Toronto Biennial
- The coalition seeks to represent organizations in every province and territory
- The appeal parallels a similar letter from NADA gallerists to New York officials
Entities
Artists
- Brad Keast
- Patrizia Libralato
Institutions
- One Voice for Arts + Culture (OVAC)
- Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto
- Toronto Biennial
- NADA
- Artribune
Locations
- Canada
- New York