Julianna Yau’s blog

I met with Cindy Jacobsen today to discuss some of the concerns artists have with the actions and direction with the Conservative government. These are, of course, not exhaustive or exclusive, but represent some of the high-profile areas:

Copyright

• creators’ groups not being consulted for the past two copyright bills, even though these groups exist and want to be involved
• the problems with DRM as an option to protect copyright, why it impacts consumers and artists, and how DRM is already posing a problem for consumers
• the monetization of filesharing is an option creators want, particularly when the pricing models ISPs offer are allowing them to profit greatly from the demand for content

C-10

• I only mentioned this in passing, but its “against public policy” stance speaks for itself

Funding & appreciation of the arts

• the arts funding cuts have been devastating, particularly because there was no consultation with the arts community
• there already isn’t much grant money available — an emerging artist grant from the OAC is merely $5,000
• artists aren’t looking for a handout (e.g. I work the equivalent of two full time jobs, with a day job as “private funding” for my arts practice), but need governmental support with things like reintroducing/strengthening the arts in primary and secondary schools, introducing more percent for art programs, and making policy changes to make affordable and safe live-work space available
• recognizing and fostering the need for art & culture to be part of a healthy community and a rich part of our lives

I felt really good about the meeting, and Cindy definitley understood the issues without me needing to convince her that there were problems.

I have still not heard back from Andrew Telegdi’s office with regards to a meeting.

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