Art Matters Forum – Literary Awards 2009

For every ceremony honouring and rewarding the talents of Canadian artists, Rideau Hall—on His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond’s initiative—organizes a public forum called Art Matters. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring laureates, artists, academics, administrators and members of the public together to discuss and examine the challenges facing culture in our society.

This Art Matters was the fourth one held in conjunction with the Governor General Literary Awards.

“It is important to us that this forum be an opportunity for you to share with your readers and the publishing and literary world. That is why we opened this dialogue to the public, and I thank them for answering our call in such great numbers.”

“As I have often said, I am absolutely convinced that what is created in Canada creates Canada itself. And now, the time has come to ask: How is your writing ‘Canadian’?”

Dr. Roseann O’Reilly Runte, Carleton University's President and Vice-Chancellor, was the moderator of this 43rd Art Matters forum.

Two panelists, Serge Bouchard, anthropologist and author, as well as Noah Richler, journalist and author, opened the discussion.

Laureates of the 2009 Governor General Literary Awards, authors, as well as members of the public were then be invited to share their comments and observations on the theme. Montreal writer and arts journalist Jean Barbe (with microphone) was among the participants.

The public answered Their Excellencies’ call in great numbers. The event was held in the Ballroom, at Rideau Hall.

These forums encourage dialogue and provide a space for reflection on the creative process and how it is received by society.