Support the Canadian Arts Patron Act

Proposal for the Priority of Local (Canadian) Artist Artworks in Government Funded Venues (Federal-Provincial – Municipal)

The Promotion of Local Artist Government Funded Venues Act (hereafter referred to as "the Act") is proposed to promote and support local artistic talent, enhancing the cultural identity of communities, and enriching Government Funded Venues (outdoors & indoors) through the display of local artists' artworks in public buildings and offices. By prioritizing the procurement and display of artworks created by local artists, the Act seeks to foster a sense of pride, community, and cultural vibrancy within our cities and municipalities.

• To promote and support the work of local artists by providing opportunities for the display and sale of their artworks in public buildings and offices.
• To enhance the cultural identity and aesthetic appeal of Government Funded Venues through the incorporation of locally produced artworks.
• To stimulate economic activity within the local arts sector by increasing demand for local artists' artworks and fostering a sustainable market for artistic expression.
• To engage and inspire community members by showcasing the creativity, diversity, and talent of local artists in publicly accessible spaces.

The Act shall apply to all public buildings and offices owned or operated by government entities at: 

1/ the federal, provincial, and municipal levels

2/ Public and Private Offices with Government funding/grants operation

Local artist artworks eligible for consideration under the Act shall include paintings, sculptures, photographs, potteries, mixed media works, and other forms of visual art produced by artists residing within the jurisdiction.

The Act shall establish criteria and procedures for the selection, procurement, and placement of local artist artworks in public buildings and offices, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the process.

The Act shall provide guidelines for the allocation of funding and resources to support the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of local artist artworks in Government Funded Venues.

Local artists' artworks shall be selected based on artistic merit, creativity, relevance to the community, and suitability for display in public settings.

Consideration shall be given to the diversity of artistic styles, cultural perspectives, and thematic themes represented in the artworks, reflecting the richness and vibrancy of the local arts scene.

Artists shall be invited to submit proposals or portfolios of their work for consideration by a selection committee headed by ArtEvoque and comprising representatives from government agencies, arts organizations, and community stakeholders.

The selection committee shall evaluate submitted artworks based on established criteria and make recommendations for the acquisition and placement of artworks in public buildings and offices.

Government agencies responsible for the administration of public buildings and offices shall be responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of the Act within their respective jurisdictions.

Implementation guidelines and procedures shall be developed in consultation with stakeholders to ensure the effective enforcement of the Act and the equitable distribution of opportunities for local artists.

Mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the Act, including regular audits, performance evaluations, and public feedback mechanisms, shall be established to ensure accountability and transparency in the selection and procurement process.

Adequate funding and resources shall be allocated to support the implementation of the Act, including the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of local artist artworks in Government Funded Venues.

Funding may be sourced from government appropriations, grants, donations, or public-private partnerships dedicated to supporting arts and culture initiatives.

Government agencies shall be encouraged to collaborate with local arts organizations, galleries, and community groups to leverage additional funding and resources for the promotion of local artists' artworks.

Public awareness campaigns shall be launched to inform and educate community members about the objectives and benefits of the Act.

Outreach efforts shall be conducted to engage local artists, arts organizations, and community stakeholders in the implementation of the Act and the promotion of local artist artworks in public spaces.

Educational programs, exhibitions, and public events shall be organized to showcase local artists' artworks and foster appreciation for the arts among residents and visitors.

The Canadian Arts Patron Act represents a landmark initiative to support and promote the work of local artists, enhance the cultural vitality of our communities, and create vibrant, inclusive, and accessible public spaces for all. By prioritizing the procurement and display of local artist artworks in public buildings and offices, we celebrate the creativity, diversity, and talent of our local arts community and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a thriving cultural landscape for generations to come.