From the renaissance of cultural attractions,
to widespread recognition of our importance as a creative
city on the global stage, to the recent activism of
the arts community affecting the political agenda
and neighbourhood development, it is a dynamic and
exciting time to be in Toronto.
The role of the arts as a vital component of life
in Toronto is becoming more and more apparent. It
is tied to our very identity, and is the key to connecting
Torontonians to each other and their city. The value
we as a community place on our artists was certainly
evident at the second annual Mayor’s Arts awards
lunch. Those attending included the Mayor and many
of his City Councillors, major philanthropists and
sponsors, government funders and leaders in every
sector of the city including the Library, the Waterfront,
the United Way and academic institutions including
OCAD, George Brown College and U of T. It was very
clear how important it is for the entire city to celebrate
Toronto’s great artists and arts organizations.
At Toronto Arts Council we can clearly see the impact
of the arts as transformative in the lives of Torontonians.
The 18,000 events supported by TAC, through funding
from the City, help people see Toronto and connect
with their neighbourhoods in different ways; new ideas
are born, tolerance and economic activity enhanced
and the creative core of the individual is nourished.
We know there is much more to be done in terms of
supporting the arts. Indeed, we are, by many estimates,
only 40 – 50% of where we need to be. We look
both to the City and to the private sector to help
manifest the talents and ambitions of Toronto’s
hard working “creative class”. At Toronto
Arts Council Foundation we are working hard to increase
both awareness of what the arts has to offer to Torontonians,
and also on programs to increase the resources available
to artists.
I am delighted to announce that the Boards of both
TAC and TACF have recently been strengthened by the
addition of some exceptional new members at our recent
Annual general Meeting. Well known to the arts community
and to many in the city, John D. McKellar
was voted in as the Chair of the Toronto Arts Council
with past Vice–President Karen Tisch
stepping in to the role of President. Artists Danis
Goulet, Gregory Oh, Gerry Trentham, and Jessica
Wyman were also elected to TAC and Curtis
Barlow and Natalie Lue were
cross-appointed to both TAC and TACF. Diana
Bennett, Chair of TACF was also pleased to
welcome Gerald George, Rana Florida,
and Janice Price as Directors of
the Foundation.
Finally a fond thank you to Don Moffat
who has contributed so much to this city in his capacity
as TAC President over the last five years. While stepping
down as TAC president he has agreed to continue as
a director of the Foundation Board.
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