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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: o o o o o o 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: o o o 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.