The aim of this writing is to give a diachronical overview of Canadian cultural policy, to show the values, that are held dear in that policy and, since "we are the first human beings, ever, whose world-view has been transformed not by our parents or by our schools but by the media, by popular culture", I will try to give a synchronic overview of the use of new media, like radio, television, movies and films, and the Internet in Canada.
These information can then be interpreted in terms of present state and probable future states of cultural affairs in Canada.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the topic
2. Canada‘s Cultural Policy
2.1. Past
2.2. Present and Future
3. The key objectives and values
3.1. Multiculturalism
3.2. The environment vs. the economy
3.3. Diversity
4. Old and New Media
5. Conclusions
Objectives and Themes
This academic paper provides a diachronical overview of Canadian cultural policy, examining the core values driving the sector and the ongoing struggle for national identity against the backdrop of global market influences, specifically those of the United States.
- The historical development and current state of Canadian cultural policy.
- The interpretation and implementation of multiculturalism as a central national pillar.
- The complex relationship between domestic economic strength and cultural production.
- The impact of new media, technology, and digitalization on Canadian artistic output.
- Strategic initiatives for future policy-making and sustainable arts funding.
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1. Introduction to the topic
Support of culture in Canada has no tradition. A uncertainty what Canadian culture is, is one of the results of this lack. First of all Canadian culture is unique because of the multicultural concept. This concept is based on the idea to preserve and enhance the heritage, emerging from the existence of different ethnic groups, different languages, and cultures in one nation. But what does the term ‘culture‘ mean?
“Culture“, states Neil Bissoondath, “is a complex entity shaped in ways small and large. A preference for coffee over tea or beer over wine...“. There is a similar meaning in T.S. Eliot‘s words: “Culture is not merely the sum of several activities, but a way of life.“
This is a true, but vage, meaning of culture. Asking a dictionary, you get these meanings of the term: 1 the customs, beliefs, art, music, and all other products of human thought made by particular group of people at a particular time [...] 2 artistic and other activity of the mind and the works produced by this [...] 3 the practice of raising animals and growing plants [...] 4 (a group of bacteria produced by) the growing of bacteria for scientific use.
Here ‘Culture‘ is understood as the arts and other works produced by human mind. These works are produced within a special framework of customs, beliefs, art, music and are produced out of a special way of life. So this framework has a certain influence on the therein produced works and the works cannot be regarded seperately.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the topic: This chapter defines the concept of culture within the Canadian context and outlines the paper's aim to provide an overview of cultural policy and media influence.
2. Canada‘s Cultural Policy: This section details the historical lack of formal policy, the emergence of the Massey Commission, and current debates regarding globalization and marketability.
3. The key objectives and values: This chapter examines the central pillars of Canadian policy, including the role of multiculturalism, environmental concerns in the economy, and the necessity of diversity.
4. Old and New Media: This section explores how Canadian institutions have adapted to various forms of media, from early radio and television to contemporary internet usage and digital production.
5. Conclusions: This chapter summarizes the progress made in establishing cultural infrastructure while highlighting the ongoing challenges of creating a unified national identity and competing with the U.S. market.
Keywords
Canadian Cultural Policy, Multiculturalism, National Identity, Globalization, Massey Commission, Canada Council for the Arts, New Media, Cultural Industry, Ethnic Diversity, Artistic Freedom, Marketability, Indigenous Arts, Cultural Sovereignty, Digitalization, Broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the evolution of national cultural support in Canada, tracing how policy has shifted from post-war institutional development to current strategies for maintaining cultural sovereignty in a globalized, market-driven environment.
What are the central thematic pillars discussed?
The key themes include the multicultural foundation of Canada, the interplay between environmental and economic values in arts funding, the vital role of diversity, and the transition of cultural production into the age of new media.
What is the author's primary research objective?
The goal is to provide a historical and synchronic overview of Canadian cultural policy to identify the values deemed essential by the state and to analyze how these values influence the survival of Canadian arts against dominant American mass culture.
Which methodology is employed in this research?
The author uses a diachronical and synchronic qualitative analysis, drawing upon official government reports, the findings of the Massey Commission, international trade data, and current cultural discourse from organizations like the Canadian Conference of the Arts.
What does the main body cover?
It covers the history of cultural institutions, the implementation of multiculturalism as official policy, the economic challenges faced by independent artists, and how various media platforms (radio, film, internet) are used to foster a unique Canadian identity.
Which keywords best describe this work?
The work is best characterized by terms like Canadian Cultural Policy, Multiculturalism, Cultural Sovereignty, New Media, and Marketability of the Arts.
How does the author define the relationship between multiculturalism and educational systems?
The author argues that educational systems and mass media are critical instruments for reflecting ethnic diversity, which in turn helps citizens decide the extent to which they are influenced by cultures outside of their own upbringing.
What is the significance of the "Massey Commission" mentioned?
The Massey Commission was a seminal post-WWII investigation that provided the first cohesive analysis of Canada's cultural state, highlighting the country's over-dependence on American institutions and triggering the creation of the Canada Council.
How do US-based media and industry affect Canadian cultural autonomy?
The author suggests that the sheer volume of American production creates a "bombardment" of popular culture, forcing Canada to either produce a high quantity of competitive local content or risk cultural assimilation.
- Quote paper
- M. A. Patrick Schinowski (Author), 1999, National Support of Culture in Canada, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/54432
