Making the Case

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Diversity, passion, self-expression, beauty, aspiration, transformation and prosperity are by-products of cultural vitality."

Author, Silver Donald Cameron

Making the Case

Culture or “the arts” takes on many forms: painting, writing, quilting, pottery, museums, landmarks, sculptures, landscapes, streetscapes, memorials, sport. It is a way for individuals and communities to express and engage themselves with family, friends, and their neighbourhoods, their communities. Culture can be used to renew or revitalize municipalities, regions, even a country. It can build community identity and pride, strengthen bonds, improve quality of life on all socioeconomic levels, and engage children and youth in education and their environment.

Culture can be the catalyst for positive change, engaging all ages and communities. Diversity can be embraced through culture, building trust and understanding. And culture can act as the economic engine that drives municipalities toward growth and prosperity.

Making the Case for Culture is a series of six papers that details “how and why” culture is key to our betterment. Click on the image below to view the document online, or click on the links to download the individual papers as PDFs.

MAKING THE CASE for:

Culture as an Economic Engine (PDF): Growth is inevitable when culture is used as a tool. It brands, creates job growth, spin-off businesses and competition.
Urban Renewal and Revitalization (PDF): A country is made up of many parts, its inhabitants key players. The arts ensure their habitat reflects who they are and how they live.
Building Community Identity and Pride (PDF): Culture brings together networks of individuals strengthening social bonds, creating common memories and a democracy in which people want to participate.
Arts and Positive Change in Communities (PDF): Dialogue opens up through the arts because it deals with meanings, addresses emotions, and helps identify and define individuals and the communities where they live.
Quality of Life/Quality of Place (PDF): The arts can create a level playing field, open to all socioeconomic individuals, groups and communities, enabling public participation.
Personal and Social Development and Youth (PDF): Engaging and motivating children and youth is easily accomplished through the arts, promoting their well-being while teaching them empathy and tolerance.