This release was issued under a previous government.

“We want our cultural sector to be vibrant, innovative, and forward-looking. Not only is it an important economic indicator for our province, but it’s also a reflection of who we are as Albertans,” said Premier Alison Redford. “The renewed leadership of this council will help invigorate our cultural sector and make Alberta an even better place to work and live.”

More than 270 community leaders, from artists and directors to academics and entrepreneurs, applied to be a part of the province’s highest level of advisory and representation on cultural matters after the council’s renewal earlier this year.

“These talented individuals will serve as our cultural champions,” said Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk. “The energy and calibre of these visionaries reflects the characteristics and diversity of Alberta’s cultural stakeholders. I expect their collective wisdom and experience to serve us well, guiding Alberta toward a model for sustainable growth in our cultural sector.”

The council’s first order of business when they meet in September 2013 will be to lead the development of a long-term, province-wide culture plan, and to identify new and innovative approaches to promote and support culture in Alberta. Members will represent the many areas responsible for cultural activities and experiences across the province - the arts, heritage, multicultural and nonprofit/voluntary organizations, creative and cultural industries, and youth and corporate partners.

“Culture is an important ingredient to the economic future of our province,” said the council’s new chair, Todd Hirsch. “Most importantly, exposure to culture opens the door to new ideas - a key to fostering a creative, innovative workforce and population.”

Culture-related industries are responsible for approximately three per cent of Alberta’s GDP, amounting to $7.81 billion and 78,900 jobs. See www.culture.alberta.ca/minister/premierscouncil/membership for details.

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

Backgrounder: Premier’s Council on Culture - New Membership 2013

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trish Filevich, Press Secretary
Minister of Culture
780-719-4639
[email protected]

Backgrounder

August 1, 2013
Premier's Council on Culture - New Membership 2013

More than 270 community leaders, from artists and directors to academics and entrepreneurs, applied to be a part of the province’s highest level of advisory and representation on cultural matters.

Appointments to the council include:

  • Todd Hirsch, Chair 
  • Sam Jenkins
    • Todd Babiak, Vice-Chair
  • Martin Kennedy
    • Grant Berg
  • Jean-Claude Munyezamu
    • Helen Calahasen
  • Bob McPhee
    • Carolyn Campbell
  • Terry Rock
    • Tom Cox
  • Deborah Shoctor
    • Christopher Davis
  • Gaurav Singhmar
    • Daniel Doz
  • Russell Thomas
    • Casey Edmunds
  • Jason Valleau
    • Michael Feehan
  • Katherine van Kooy
    • Barry Finkelman
  • Linda Weigl

  • Mark Phipps, Chair of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and Fred Bradley, Chair of the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, have also been appointed as ex officio members.
  • Applications were received through a formal recruitment process using eligibility criteria set out in the council’s terms of reference.
  • For terms of up to three years, new council members will champion the importance of culture and represent the many sectors responsible for cultural activities and experiences across the province - the arts, heritage, multicultural and nonprofit/voluntary organizations, creative and cultural industries, and youth and corporate partners.
  • Established as the Premier’s Council on Arts and Culture in 2008, members directly advise the Minister on innovative approaches, partnerships and solutions to support sustainable growth within the province’s diverse culture sector.
  • The council’s name was changed to the Premier’s Council on Culture in January 2013, with a renewed mandate and more clearly defined roles and responsibilities:
    • champion Alberta’s cultural policy, The Spirit of Alberta, in the community;
    • lead the development of a long-term, province-wide Culture Plan.
    • promote an understanding among Albertans of the benefits of participating in and supporting cultural activities; and
    • identify innovative approaches, partnerships and funding models for the promotion and support of culture in Alberta.
Council deliberations will fall within Alberta’s cultural policy, The Spirit of Alberta, and its four keystone goals: access to culture for all Albertans; capacity in our communities to support culture; excellence for our cultural professionals; and, growth and sustainability for our cultural industries.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trish Filevich, Press Secretary
Minister of Culture
780-719-4639
[email protected]