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Presentation of the Governor General's Awards
in Visual and Media Arts
Rideau Hall, Friday, March 28, 2008
Good evening,
How does our society view the visual and media arts and their creators, and consequently, do they get enough visibility here and abroad? That is the two-part question we tried to answer at the 22nd edition of Art Matters, which took place here at Rideau Hall earlier today.
About 30 of us, including this year’s laureates and various people from the art world, simply picked up where the Art Matters held in conjunction with the presentation of the 2007 Awards in Visual and Media Art had left off. During last year’s session, we discussed the role of artists as “trailblazers” in a society with an ever-increasing number of virtual connections and distribution platforms. The participants—artists, educators, distributors and decision makers—came to the conclusion that is it absolutely necessary, even urgent, that we increase the visibility of Canadian visual and media arts. They noted that Canadian artists are not given the exposure or place that they deserve, either here at home or abroad. My wife and I often hear the same thing from the artists we meet at the Art Matters forums we organize during our visits to the provinces and territories.
Today, we wanted to take our reflections and the debate even further. I had originally envisioned these Art Matters forums as places for dialogue that would allow us—the Governor General and me—to meet and speak with those who bring art and culture alive on a daily basis. I think today’s discussion demonstrated the relevance of having this place for a national dialogue, a place where, together, we can assess the situation, as seen through the various realities that people all across the country are living. I also believe that we heard some remarkable propositions and suggestions, which we promise to transcribe and share with you on our Web site and with “Conversations,” the Art Matters newsletter.
So in response to the question “have Canadian visual and media arts fallen off the radar”, our participants shared their experiences, viewpoints and proposals, focusing on two complementary perspectives: education and access to the arts.
Some of the participants spoke of the importance of including artists in discussions on the development or redevelopment of public spaces. They felt that Quebec’s Programme d’intégration des arts à l’architecture et à l’environnement, commonly referred to as the 1%, should be expanded throughout all of Canada. Integrating works of art into schools, hospitals, public buildings is not simply distributing art, making it visible, but also raising public awareness.
Regarding the question, “have Canadian visual and media arts fallen off the radar”, other participants responded by invoking imagination, and by creating festive public events around the arts. We have to develop this kind of “electrifying” atmosphere.
That said, we are always happy to see artists, critics, historians, researchers and administrators continually renewing their commitment to be involved in community debates and issues. In a world dominated by entertainment, a world in which dialogue is becoming more and more necessary, we must reinforce the vital role that arts and culture play in our lives. I believe that the development of contemporary creation is essential to the prosperity of any society. In Canada, we have federal and provincial agencies like arts councils, museums, galleries and the National Film Board that do a remarkable job of encouraging creation and developing visibility. The same can be said for the many awards given in various artistic disciplines, especially the prestigious Governor General’s awards, of which we again today see the excellent level of quality. But this is not enough unless we provide the public with real education and information. Just like the media, schools have a large part to play in teaching the knowledge, recognition and importance of art in Canada’s daily life.
Art is a mystery, a vital necessity. Francis Bacon was once asked: “What is art?” He responded, “It is not intelligence, unfortunately. What is art? I don’t know.”
Of course, we can explain what makes something a work of art, its genesis, we can detail the path the artist took and find a thousand biographical notes to describe his or her creative development, but that does not answer the question Francis Bacon was asked. It is clearly his non-response, his “I-don’t-know,” this superficial statement that explains the aporia. His simple “I-don’t-know” shows us that art is as essential to humankind’s survival on this planet as oxygen: we all know this, of course, and we have a few millennia of civilization to prove it. Without art, we would leave no trace, no mark, no memory, no civility.
Recognizing art is acknowledging that it is that part of reason that has no reason, like the origin of the world.
Recognizing art is acknowledging our humanity.
That is what you, this year’s laureates, show us through your work, as you constantly take on new realities to invent new possibilities and bring meaning to our lives.
That is why we must to do everything we can to celebrate Canadian art and creators and make them more visible.
Thank you.