Alberta to have $11.6 Billion surplus

[Gozer]

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/b...very-year.aspx

These days, the various levels of government together spend over $7.5-billion dollars a year on the arts.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Tron_fdc

Yeah, well Nickelback, Shania Twain, Celine Dion and the Bare naked Ladies did it with the existing system.

So there.

In other words, if we spend a bunch of cash to produce the next multi platinum POS band like Nickelback I'm moving to Saskatchewan.



PAVE PAVE PAVE!!!

You could pave over all of those guys and the environmentalists, and all we'd have would be useless speed bumps.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Gozer

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/b...very-year.aspx

These days, the various levels of government together spend over $7.5-billion dollars a year on the arts.

Yup, the Canadian government is the biggest porn producer on the planet.

Awesome

[looooob]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Disagree completely. Again, I refer to the Ireland example, where, since 1968, the Artists Council of Ireland has produced thousands of Irish artists, including painters, sculptors, musicians, and so on. Irish bands like U2, Enya, the Cranberries, and others have taken advantage of, and blossomed from the Arts Council funding. Their international success has put Ireland on the map for quality artists, and as such, has spilled over into other industries as well, such as music production and tourism.

.

come on we've had Shania, Nickleback , Bryan Adams and Celine spreading the good word for Canada

oops n/m somehow I missed the last page of the thread. same point has been made

besides didn't that turncoat cranberry gal move to Canada?

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Disagree completely. Again, I refer to the Ireland example, where, since 1968, the Artists Council of Ireland has produced thousands of Irish artists, including painters, sculptors, musicians, and so on. Irish bands like U2, Enya, the Cranberries, and others have taken advantage of, and blossomed from the Arts Council funding. Their international success has put Ireland on the map for quality artists, and as such, has spilled over into other industries as well, such as music production and tourism.

Furthermore, the Arts Council doesn't allow just any no-talent hack to get a grant; their is an application and an approval process. Depending on how much your looking for, what type of art you are creating, and what it's purpose is, you can receive a level of funding. In fact, many artists must submit a portfolio of work before they can be considered for funding; some 14 year old kid who wants to smash bricks on a tile floor and call it a masterpiece is not going to qualify.

So the fact that these artists received money is the reason why that are successfull...would U2 not write the same music if it wasn't for the handout they received? Did the money inspire them to greateness. If you are good at your art, chances are people will support you and you will be able to make a living.

[chummer]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

3) Subsidize and/or give tax breaks to artists (musicians, painters, filmmakers, etc.) to get artists to STAY in the province and let them thrive. This is working wondrously in Ireland, let's try it out here.

Screw the artists....how about more hospitals,schools and firehalls.

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

So the fact that these artists received money is the reason why that are successfull...would U2 not write the same music if it wasn't for the handout they received? Did the money inspire them to greateness. If you are good at your art, chances are people will support you and you will be able to make a living.

At one point during their early history when they were pretty much unknown, they won a $500 prize and a demo recording session. This contest was in part funded by government arts organization, as was the record label that recorded their first demo. Without that prize and recording infrastructure, it's doubtful that they would have ever received the attention to get signed by a british label a couple years later.

[Ozy_Flame]

No, not screw the artists. How many people are always complaining about how Calgary lacks culture? Well, art is a good start. And artists who want to stay here and produce will help build that culture that Calgary is lacking. There's some great grassroots stuff going on here, we just need more funding and promotion from the provincial and municipal governments to bring it out of the woodwork. Primarily, we also need things like the National Portrait Gallery here, and other stand-out Canadian creations.

I think some of you are confusing me promoting art funding to produce the next big thing. That happens to one in a million. We need the funding to cultivate an appreciation and awareness of art in Alberta as a whole; not individual artists - U2 started out as any other Irish band, and then used their funding to move into startdom. That's just their case.

Proper funding allows artists the access to the equipment, instruments, and inspiration they need to thrive. I don't see how that is any different than someone who gets funded by a company to come up with a business strategy or a marketing idea. Artists need investment just as much as analysts, traders, marketers, and everyone else.

I think doctors are much more in demand and more necessary, you are right - but a huge windfall like this means we can afford to put money in the arts, whereas if we came out even or were in the red, the arts would be the first thing to get axed. Let's take advantage of the situation while we have the money.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by octothorp

At one point during their early history when they were pretty much unknown, they won a $500 prize and a demo recording session. This contest was in part funded by government arts organization, as was the record label that recorded their first demo. Without that prize and recording infrastructure, it's doubtful that they would have ever received the attention to get signed by a british label a couple years later.

my buddies band just won 25000K
new guitars all around
bet you'll never hear about them

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

my buddies band just won 25000K
new guitars all around
bet you'll never hear about them

Is that because they're not good?

Are you talking about the Dudes, btw?

[peter12]

I think some funding is important for musical groups and the like. One of my favourite bands, the Sadies, receive government funding. It's a tough life being a successful folk artist here in Canada, especially if you resist selling out and moving to a big American label.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Proper funding allows artists the access to the equipment, instruments, and inspiration they need to thrive. I don't see how that is any different than someone who gets funded by a company to come up with a business strategy or a marketing idea.

That is a good point!

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

Is that because they're not good?

Are you talking about the Dudes, btw?

Yes the Dudes.

[Vedder]

Originally Posted by peter12

I think some funding is important for musical groups and the like. One of my favourite bands, the Sadies, receive government funding. It's a tough life being a successful folk artist here in Canada, especially if you resist selling out and moving to a big American label.

I have zero sympathy for an artist that wants funding from the government because they refuse to take money from a big label. It's a business, compromise may be necessary if you want to make money.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by chummer

Screw the artists....how about more hospitals,schools and firehalls.

He already addressed the hopsital issue.

Artists can be promoted through greater funding for schools, resulting in increased funding for music and art. Developing a creative mind in one's early life is critical to their contribtion later on in life when they aspire to do something productive and meaningful. Investing in the arts is just that; an investment - and one worth pursuing, too.

I wonder how many doctors in Alberta right now had a enriched cultural upbringing including music, art, photography, etc.? I'd wager to say a fair amount.

[RubberDuck]

We already support enough "artists". It's called welfare and UI. Believe me, some of my best friends are "artists". Mostly because they can't handle a real job.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

Yes the Dudes.

Haven't they been trying to make it for like 10 years?

[old-fart]

Meh... if you are good at your craft, you'll be able to sell it and make the money. If you aren't, then... why should my tax dollars fund you? Put up or shut up.

"The Arts" should be the last thing on the list for funding. The very last.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by RubberDuck

We already support enough "artists". It's called welfare and UI. Believe me, some of my best friends are "artists". Mostly because they can't handle a real job.

Ouch, I think you're missing the point.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by old-fart

Meh... if you are good at your craft, you'll be able to sell it and make the money. If you aren't, then... why should my tax dollars fund you? Put up or shut up.

"The Arts" should be the last thing on the list for funding. The very last.

It's very hard to make money in the music business. Not everyone can be Kanye.