My very first grant application was to the @CanadaCouncil for the Arts. In my application I wrote ‘my hope is one day I will be ably to make a career of the arts, & won’t need arts funding.’
I cried when I got it.
Today I employ people and I pay a shit load of taxes and donate to hundreds of social justice causes and donate my time as well.
But they also help to rebuild communities.
Particularly for Indigenous communities who have been devastated and practically decimated by Canada.
Indigenous arts are important for their own people, for Canada and for the world.
Grants have enabled us to engage Elders and Youth together in a variety of learning environments and creativity.
AND money we received went straight back into the economy.
Where does the money go when a person or a collective receives arts grants?
1. Canadian based suppliers and retailers. 2. Canadian based businesses, landlords or utilities.
And more than that, they help to build careers, of people like me who pay a shit load of taxes, and they build communities and independence. For Indigenous people they help to build back ourselves and our health.
Empowered Indigenous communities doesn’t fit with the narrative Canada has created.