2014 Dawson City International Short Film Festival | Page 10

12 noon SATURDAY APRIL 19 ~ IAN REID/CANADA COUNCIL

T

he Canada Council was created by an Act of Parliament in 1957
Canada Council for the Arts Act to foster and promote the study and
enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts, and operate at
“arm’s length” or independently of government.
A few of the council’s fundamental values are:
•  upport freedom of artistic expression from control or dominance by
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external forces such as governments and markets, a value reinforced by
the arm’s length relationship.
•  elieve in government investment in the arts as a public good enabling
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the arts to contribute to peoples’ lives, encouraging arts development
across Canada, and freeing art from complete reliance on the
marketplace.
•  eek to develop excellent art in Canada by focusing on professional
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artistic activity by individuals and organizations, respecting artistic
excellence as the primary criterion in providing grants, and relying on
peer assessment as the best method for determining comparative merit
in a national context.
•  espect the regional diversity of Canada and recognize the need to
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support professional artistic activity in all parts of the country.
•  espect the histories, traditions, languages and contemporary practices
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of Aboriginal Peoples and seek to foster the development of Aboriginal
artists and organizations.
•  espect artists and arts organizations from diverse cultural and racial
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backgrounds and traditions and seek to develop the work of these artists
and organizations.
Ian Reid, will outline the programs that can assist filmmakers and media
artists in the north, navigate through the council’s website and give tips to
assist in the application process.

2014 Dawson City International Short Film Festival

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