Reconciliation: an arts project
- EFN Staff | April 29, 2015
The Canada Council for the
Arts, the J.W. McConnell Family
Foundationand The Circle on Philanthropy
and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada (The Circle) today announced the launch of a
new, cross-sector funding partnership to support artistic projects that explore
the ongoing process of conciliation and reconciliation between Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
“Reconciliation between Aboriginal peoples of this
country and non-Aboriginal Canadians is a defining issue for the future of our
country,” said Canada Council Director and CEO, Simon Brault. “We not only
believe that the arts can bring greater understanding to the issue and will
highlight the unique voices of Canada’s Indigenous artists, but also lead to
new and constructive dialogues on justice and healing.”
This unique initiative will promote artistic collaborations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists, investing in the power of art and imagination to inspire dialogue, understanding and change. Council will administer the {Re}conciliation initiative. This initiative precedes the release of the much-anticipated report from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and seeks to help artists and Canadians alike reflect upon, and help repair historic injustices.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's historic
work offers Canada an opportunity to reshape relationships between Aboriginal
and non-Aboriginal peoples. Philanthropy and the arts have important roles to
play in supporting creative collaboration in forging a culture of respect and
reciprocity,” said Stephen Huddart, President and CEO of the J.W. McConnell
Family Foundation.
The
partnership also highlights Council’s recent commitment to building a vital and
engaged new Aboriginal program as part of the upcoming transformation of its
national arts funding programs.
“Reconciliation in Canada is a process in its
infancy, and will need to continue for many years. It will be collaborations,
partnerships and individuals working in all fields –committed to the process,
which keep the issues before the Canadian public –that will eventually lead to
systemic change. In that spirit, it is an honour and a privilege to be part of
this collaboration alongside the Canada Council and the J.W. McConnell Family
Foundation,” said Victoria Grant, Chair, The Circle.
A call for proposals will be issued in late May 2015. Interested artists and arts organizations will be invited to submit proposals for project funding up to $75,000.
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