In July of this year I received a copy of the City of Ottawa’s Annual Report entitled “Providing for Today Planning for Tomorrow”. The message from the Mayor states: “A true sign of a community’s health can be found in how it expresses itself artistically. Ottawa is renowned for its festivals and vibrant arts community. Last year, Council approved a four-year investment strategy in the arts and festival sector. This new plan will result in increased funding for the arts, festivals, fairs and special events……” He also states “It is important that all Citizens...have access to choices for a broad range of fitness and sport activities, recreational, arts and heritage programs...." Read More

Our current city council is threatening to destroy arts and culture in our community with far-reaching and damaging long-term effects.

As a member of the board of Directors for the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation I urge you to read the following letter issued today by the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation.

Sincerely Eric Manherz

Dear Arts Court Members and Friends:

This is an urgent call to action:

The City of Ottawa recently announced its proposed budget for 2009. As part of the budget, arts, culture and heritage take the brunt of the blow in the City's cost-saving measures to the tune of 4.7 million dollars, representing a 43% reduction to the funding envelope. The proposed cuts include the elimination of artist grants, elimination of project grants, elimination of arts organization annual operating funding as well as the elimination of funding to festivals, fairs, special event programming and heritage organizations and projects. The severity of the proposed cuts for 2009 has hit the community with an unimaginable force.

What can do if your Ottawa still includes Culture:
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The cuts will reduce Arts, Culture and Heritage funding in 2009 by $4,133,000.
This represents a 54% CUT to the existing budget!

Following is the impressive list of arts, culture and heritage organizations and programs that CURRENTLY exist in Ottawa. These cuts will impact not only the 286 recipients (organizations and artists) who operate cultural programs and facilities but all the members, volunteers, audiences and supporters that they represent! Read More