Much is being said these days in the press and in viral videos about the Harper government’s cuts in the cultural sector – particularly in Quebec where “artistes” have traditionally had a strong political voice.
The latest offensive is a series of videos called “30 seconds against Harper” featuring a wide range of Quebec personalities – many of them artists.
Here’s one featuring Genevieve Brouillette, a well known actress who, coincidentally, we hired years ago when we created the first Quebec-only campaign for Winners stores in the province.
This is what she says (the translation is mine):
The Conservative government is trying to label the people of the cultural sector as beggars. There’s a study by the Conference Board of Canada – not exactly a left wing group or a bunch of dreamers – showing that 1.1 million Canadians work in the cultural sector. This generates $46 billions in revenues across the country. It represents 7.4% of the GDP. That’s nothing to sneeze at. Let’s not forget that the government funds the forestry, agriculture, automobile and aeronautics sectors. They’re not all beggars. Neither are the artists.
There are several other videos online at www.unissonsnosvoix.ca
The message seems to be getting through, as the Bloc appears to be reclaiming lost ground in key ridings in the province. For more on the latest polls in the province and the impact of the Conservatives’ policies on culture and youth crime, read this article from today’s Globe & Mail – Conservatives faltering in Quebec
Quebeckers’ cultural consumption
Quebeckers are rising to defend the cultural sector but are they really such big consumers of cultural products? Less than you would think.
They can’t get enough of television, festivals and Celine Dion concerts. But their attendance at live theatre, ballet, opera, museums, art galleries, and classical concerts, is below that of Canadians in the rest of Canada. (Source: PMB 2008)
When it comes to books, 48.8% of Quebeckers bought books in the past year compared to 55.3% in the ROC.
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