The CAC was originally assembled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canada Council for the Arts and to advocate for the Government of Canada to further invest in stable, long term support that increases the Canada Council’s budget. We believe the Canada Council is fundamental to the cultural infrastructure of Canada as the key public vehicle for supporting the promotion and development of the arts in Canada.

In 2007, we applauded the federal government for a $30 million permanent increase to the Canada Council for the Arts.

In 2012, the Government of Canada recognized the role that the arts play in a productive economy by sustaining investment in the arts through the Canada Council for the Arts, and key programs at the Department of Canadian Heritage.

In 2016, following a decade of advocacy from the sector, the Government of Canada made a historic investment of $1.87 billion in arts and culture. The doubling of Canada Council of the Arts’ funding addressed a historical request from the Canadian Arts Coalition. It will enhance the activities of the arts sector and provide increased access to emerging and equity-seeking artists and organizations.

In 2020, the Steering Committee of the Canadian Arts Coalition was renewed.  Recognizing that the arts and culture sector was one of the sectors hardest hit by the global pandemic, the CAC undertook a very active advocacy role, informed by a survey of the sector and consistent communication with national arts service organizations.

It is our contention that our sector can make an even greater contribution to economic recovery and growth with sustained—and, over time—increased strategic investment in Canadian arts and culture.

Past Chairs of the Coalition Steering Committee are Anne-Marie Jean, Micheline McKay, Katherine Carleton, Eric Dubeau, Carmen Gibbs, Frédéric Julien and Kate Cornell.