Fund the Arts, not war! - Rally Sept 4, 6:30pm @ Roy Thompson Hall
Fund the Arts, not war!
Stop Stephen Harper¹s attacks on the Arts Rally
Thursday, September 4 - TODAY
6:30pm to 8:00pm
Roy Thompson Hall
60 Simcoe Street
(at King Street West )
TTC: St. Andrew subway stop or King streetcar
Stephen Harper’s government has recently announced a series of devastating cuts to Canada’s arts community, totaling over $60 million. At the same time, Harper plans to spend $490 billion on the military, including the war in Afghanistan, over the next 20 years.
Harper’s attack on the Arts has provoked widespread anger. Every major arts organization in Canada has condemned the cuts, and leading actors, musicians and performers have spoken out publicly. But this is not Harper’s first attack on the Arts. His government has attempted to censor Canadian film and television by introducing Bill C-10, legislation that would allow the Heritage Minister to deny tax credits to productions that are “contrary to public policy”.
On Thursday, September 4, Jim Flaherty Harper’s Minister of Finance is expected to attend the opening gala of the Toronto International Film Festival.
Join us to tell Flaherty and Harper to stop their attacks on the Arts in Canada: Why are hundreds of billions of dollars available for war without end, but not even one per cent of that amount for Canada’s arts community?
Fund the Arts, not war!
Organized by
Toronto Coalition to Stop the War
TCSW is Toronto’ s leading peace organization, representing more than 70 labour, faith and community groups, and is the largest anti-war coalition in the Canadian Peace Alliance.
www.nowar.ca stopthewar@sympatico.ca 416-795-5863
Artists Against War
AAW is a Toronto-based collective of artists. Formed in March 2003, AAW is proud to be a part of the artistic and global movement for peace. AAW involves artists of all media and disciplines. Its members include playwrights, musicians, painters, actors, writers, poets, sculptors, dancers, photographers, videographers, to name but some. Their common thread: a desire for peace and justice for all.
www.artistsagainstwar.ca aaw@sympatico.ca
My question is just an inquiry…Why should I pay taxes to fund someone’s career choice? If you wish to make movies or write novels, why is it necessary for me to support you indirectly?
You are supporting many people’s career choices indirectly—not just artists. Teachers, doctors and all governmental workers are supported by tax dollars, and much more so than artists. Artists contribute to the cultural identity of Canada, to community-building, to travel and tourism, and many other aspects of Canadian life.