Download Meeting Script - Canadian Arts Coalition

ARTS 308 – Meeting Script
PART 1 INTRODUCTION
Good morning/afternoon, my name is (NAME) and we are here from
(ORGANIZATION, TOWN). Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today and
we are pleased to be taking part in a campaign organized by the Canadian Arts
Coalition.
Arts groups from across the country will be meeting with their MPs this fall to talk
about how our organizations impact communities across Canada, and to discuss the
crucial role that federal policies and programs play in our collective success.”
PART 2 TELL YOUR STORY
Consider preparing a presentation brief that can be given to the MP in addition to the
CAC leave-behind document
“Every day, artists and arts organizations make an important contribution to your
riding, and to our country. This hard work and dedication is visible through the life,
vibrancy, and economy of each community.”
Give some information about your organization. Highlight 2-3 facts such as:
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The nature and mandate of your organization
Employment statistics, if relevant
Number of performances/exhibitions
Number of artists and volunteers
Outreach initiatives to community and education sectors
Annual revenues
Tell a success story that illustrates the impact the arts has had on individuals and/or
your community. You can make it personally resonate for the MP by finding examples
from their own riding or choosing an example which is funded by one of the programs
that are coming up for review.
“Federal support, through (NAME OF FUNDER) makes an important contribution to
our organization. In fact, their generous support represents X% of our budget. This
money performs a critical function because it significantly helps us leverage support
from the private sector, as well as other levels of government. We value and appreciate
this funding, as it serves to benefit our community and the families and people who live
here.”
PART 3 RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COALITION
“We are here today to ask for your support in three ways:
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That the Government of Canada stimulate job creation and local economic development by
increasing the annual Parliamentary allocation to the Canada Council for the Arts by a
minimum of 10% in 2014-15.;
That the Government renew investments in the Canada Funds first announced in 2009,
including the Arts Training Fund, the Arts Presentation Fund, the Cultural Spaces Fund and
the Cultural Investment Fund. Of the $120 million or so that the government invests in these
essential programs annually, nearly $80 million (or 2/3 of the total) is coming up for renewal.
We further recommend that the impact of these programs be sustained by indexing the
investment to the annual cost of living.
That the Government of Canada align Canada's cultural diplomacy strategy with Canada's
Global Commerce Strategy, and capitalize on opportunities to promote diverse Canadian
values as well as business and cultural interests in key markets by investing $5 million per
year over 5 years in support of artistic and cultural market development initiatives in Canada
and abroad.”
“The arts sector delivers in two areas that matter to Canada’s economy: jobs and
economic growth. The creative industries are growing quickly in Canada, making an
investment in this sector a key lever for economic development. We want to work with
MPs to ensure this important sector maintains its role as a key contributor to our
country’s well-being.”
“As Canada’s 150th anniversary approaches, it’s time to support a new generation of
creative development; leveraging more of what the arts can do to celebrate Canada’s
changing demographics and evolving identity.”
Choose up to 3 arguments from the following list which are aligned with the priorities of
the MP and his party:
o Arts and culture is an economic driver, contributing $49.9 billion directly to Canada’s GDP
and providing employment to more than 600, 000 Canadians.
o The cultural sector generated approximately $25 billion in taxes for all levels of government
in 2007. This is more than three times higher than the $7.9 billion that was spent on culture
by all levels of government in 2007.
o In 2010, Canadians volunteered 97 million hours for arts and culture organizations which
helps bring communities together and make them stronger.
o Canada’s Aboriginal, racially and culturally diverse population is a key contributor to the
overall labour force and the arts help address the interests and needs of these communities.
o Arts empower youth, especially youth-at-risk, to succeed in school and develop skills and
relationships that contribute to future success.
o People who attend arts activities are significantly healthier, have lower anxiety and are less
subject to depression.
o The arts are a platform to understand and engage with diverse Aboriginal, immigrant, people
of colour and other communities in expressing culture and tradition.
o A robust creative sector has been shown to encourage innovation and creativity in the
workforce. In today’s global economy, these factors are critical to a country’s success and
competitiveness.
o Canadians believe that the arts bring energy and vitality to communities and foster a
stronger sense of pride, identity, and social cohesion amongst diverse communities.
Be prepared to link these statistics with examples of the work and impact of your
organization in the community. This level of personalization can create a lasting
impression with the MP.
PART 4 DIALOGUE
This part of the meeting is an opportunity to secure support. If the MP is unsupportive,
equal emphasis should be placed on avoiding confrontation and creating a positive
relationship.
“I would love to hear about your personal experiences with the arts in your riding. What
is your opinion on the place of funding for the arts within government?”
If the question receives a positive response: “Given the importance of the arts to our
country, sharing your support of our budget recommendations with your caucus is
sincerely appreciated.”
If the question receives a negative response: “Is there anything in particular that informs
your opinion on this topic? What are your recommendations for creating a positive arts
sector across Canada?”
“If you have any further questions I would be happy to share more information. I would
also like to invite you to come experience some of our work firsthand.” Have a specific
event or two in mind and provide PLACE, TIME, DATE
“Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to meet with us today. Could we take a
picture with you? We’d like to send it out to our colleagues”
PART 5 POST-MEETING
Please complete the Meeting Report Form and return it to the Canadian Arts Coalition.
The feedback you provide will be crucial in helping us develop our follow-up strategy.
If the MP asked questions that you could not answer, please make sure that you let the
Coalition know and we can assist with any subsequent follow-up that may be necessary.
Follow-up with the MP by sending a Thank You note (by regular mail or email) as soon
as possible after your meeting.