Province Supports Nova Scotia Artists with New Legislation

The province is recognizing the role of artists and creativity in developing vibrant communities. Legislation tabled today, March 30, defines support for the arts and culture sector and recognizes the role of the artist.

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson introduced Status of the Artist legislation, acting on commitments in the province's five-point plan for arts and culture announced in February 2011.

"Every day artists add to the quality of life in communities across the province through innovation and creativity and this legislation acknowledges their importance to the cultural, educational, social and economic fabric of the province," said Mr. Wilson. "It will promote fair treatment for artists and enhance their contributions to making life better for families through Nova Scotia's creative economy."

The province developed the legislation with input from the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, which advises government on arts and culture policy, based on legislation and best practices in other jurisdictions. The council is made up of representatives from the arts and culture sector.

The legislation will:

• allow artists' associations to set levels of pay for works created and services rendered
• encourage fair treatment of artists by government and outline government's roles and responsibilities to artists
• continue to ensure all Nova Scotians have access to artistic training and education
• acknowledge the working conditions of artists
• affirm government's commitment to the rights of artists, for example, safe working conditions and freedom of expression and association
• ensure government has the necessary tools to support Nova Scotia's artists and their unique needs

"This legislation represents a major step forward by this government in recognizing the role and importance of the artist within Nova Scotia society," said Ron Bourgeois, chair, Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council. "It also signals to all Canadians that Nova Scotia is truly serious about its artists, and arts and culture in general."

The province has acted on other elements of the five-point plan by passing legislation to establish the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council and Arts Nova Scotia in the fall of 2011 and forming an interdepartmental committee to co-ordinate efforts to support and fund arts and culture development. The first board for Arts Nova Scotia was appointed this week.

"I am proud to say the province is well on the way to acting on all of the commitments in the five-point plan to ensure that our arts and culture sector helps shape a positive future for Nova Scotia," said Mr. Wilson.