Art = freedom. To become who we are, to know who we were and most importantly who we wish to become.
It tickles my soul, nourishes my mind, excites, educates and bonds us, makes our "place" unique and special and elevates the collective living experience.
It's what proves we are not merely surviving but have risen above necessary conditions in order to be a civilisation. It's what helps our society develop imagination, creativity and ingenuity.
Culture is the highest form of human achievement, beyond the economic need to survive and certainly far above the sad reality of ongoing wars, it affirms the most joyous and best in humanity. To illuminate life against growing darkness that is culture's promise and function.
Culture is what keeps us alive. It's what makes us human. It's what opens our mind so that we can excel in all aspects of life, not just the arts. It is what I am, what we all are. It is our identity. Culture is you and me and everyone.
Music has changed my life, and turned me into who I am as a human being. All Canadians should have the opportunity to experience this for themselves.
The arts are the foundation of communities and their vitality, and the very soul of each individual, whether that individual knows it or not.
A society without culture is an undeveloped society that is doing nothing but surviving -if that - not thriving. If music has charms to soothe the savage beast then a country without culture is nothing but a savage and unthinking beast.
I am proud of what we Canadians have to offer. Because we have a rich and diverse collective of talent that needs to be nurtured and supported. Because without it, we are nothing.
Culture teaches us. Culture makes us take a fresh look at the ordinary. Culture delights. Culture innovates. Culture reaches beyond what words can express. Culture defines who we are as a people.
It gives a voice to those who might otherwise remain silent. It expresses who we are and who we aspire to be. It a safeguard to mob mentality.
The future of our citizens, towns, cities, and our country depends on a rich, vibrant and diverse arts and heritage community.
I vote for culture because it is time for Canada to recognise an industry that is amazingly "Green", elevates literacy and education, reaches all ethnicities and crosses all the boundaries of politics and money...
It is the lifeblood of humanity.
