The Canadian government has a long history of funding visual and performing arts across the country. Unfortunately, in the face of difficult fiscal choices, the government has increasingly withdrawn its support. Meanwhile, some influential groups have recently claimed that funding for the arts is a waste of public money and falls outside the purview of the government.

In an interview, Myriam Donahue of the Canadian Taxpayers League expanded on this subject. “Society doesn’t accept government intervention in other economic sectors; the arts should be no different. Government intervention distorts the market. Artists should be more entrepreneurial and obtain money from the private sector,” claimed Donahue. “We appreciate a work of art the same way we appreciate a good meal or a sports game. Just as the government doesn’t tell us what to eat for dinner or what sports to watch, it shouldn’t be in the business of selecting which artist is fittest for public consumption. When that happens, taxpayers subsidize the leisure pursuits of society’s wealthiest people.”

Understandably, artists have resisted. “It’s not realistic to imagine that private sponsorship and philanthropy are a panacea to replace government funding,” explained community arts organizer Katarina Bakir. “Businesses see government support of the arts as a stamp of approval ensuring high standards of quality and integrity. With government cutbacks, the private sector has actually been more reluctant to sponsor events and artists. Earnings for most professional Canadian artists are already hovering around the poverty level. If funding cuts continue, artists will have to choose between falling further into poverty or changing professions.”

Eastern University sociologist Dr. Peter Horvath agrees that artists need entrepreneurial skills and sees many social benefits to public patronage for the arts. “The arts are often accused of being elitist, but surveys show that Canadians actually prefer artistic events to live sports. By funding the arts, governments create a shared meaning and a joint understanding of our country’s values. Supporting the arts provides a common good in the form of public shows and events, but it also enhances our cohesiveness as a community. It fosters a healthy society.”