Arts and Culture

In Toronto, we are fortunate to live in a city that has grown with the contributions of many of the world's cultures. Artists and others from all backgrounds have woven a unique cultural fabric that enriches us all.

Per capita spending on arts and culture programs in Toronto is behind that of cities like Chicago, Montreal and Vancouver. Increased support of the arts not only makes Toronto a more dynamic and inviting place for tourists, it also adds immeasurably to the quality of life of all Toronto residents.

While the human rights issues that we are highlighting in this platform have to do with housing and poverty, culture is also a part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 27.1 states that, "Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits." In keeping with the spirit of this Article, user fees for recreation and cultural programs must be scrapped.

To support the arts, Toronto needs to not only support individual artists and arts groups, but also to ensure that a percentage of its infrastructure program goes towards maintaining existing cultural facilities and building new ones. However, any new centres should be built throughout the city, avoiding the centralization of "arts and culture" in the downtown core. "Culture" exists all over - from the amateur band pub night to Ballet Jorgen and everywhere in between - the point is to give it the means to express itself.