Hon. Andrew Cardozo: Honourable senators, I rise today to congratulate Business / Arts on its fiftieth anniversary this year. Business / Arts is a national charitable organization with a significant legacy of promoting the importance of partnerships and driving meaningful change across the cultural sector.
With programs and staff across the country, Business / Arts supports organizations throughout Canada that serve the diverse needs of the arts sector, reaching small and rural community-led groups, as well as major cultural institutions.
Their programs include the annual Canadian Arts Summit, which brings together leaders from all artistic disciplines; artsvest, a national training program; and an annual awards program.
Back in 1974, pre-eminent business leader and philanthropist Edmund C. Bovey was approached by the Canada Council for the Arts to consider forming this organization. He brought together over 50 of Canada’s top CEOs to help our arts sector grow and thrive with meaningful investments from corporations, patrons and all levels of government. Business / Arts has since become a major pillar in Canada’s thriving cultural sector.
Their mission of building partnerships across business, the arts and government is needed now more than ever. Let me add that in times of division and disinformation, arts and culture create bridges and understanding.
The arts sector is a powerhouse. It is a nearly $64-billion industry that employs over 800,000 people. It is unique in its ability to bring people together, foster empathy and create spaces for dialogue and connection. Investments in the arts deliver economic returns and enhance the well-being of our society.
For Canadian culture in all its diversity to grow and thrive, we need creative partnerships, dedicated audiences and investment in the arts. Business / Arts is focused on promoting these goals, fostering inclusive dialogue and being the catalyst for powerful relationships.
To everyone at the Business / Arts organization, congratulations on the work you do for the arts sector. As you celebrate your 50th anniversary, I would like to thank you for all you do for the growth and long-term success of Canadian culture.
Thank you for your service to Canadian culture and to Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!