OTTAWA, April 27, 2022

Canada’s arts, culture and heritage sector play a fundamental role in building a stronger, more cohesive and resilient society. These sectors are not only significant economic drivers but they also contribute to Canada’s identity and social fabric. Over the last two years of the pandemic, the arts, culture and heritage sectors have experienced unique challenges. The Government of Canada will convene the National Culture Summit on the Future of the Arts, Culture and Heritage in Canada to help these sectors recover and thrive.

As the Government prepares for the national summit in Ottawa on May 2-4, 2022, Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced today the themes of the discussions at this event as well as program features.

Since returning to Canadian Heritage last fall, Minister Rodriguez has met with creative professionals, artists, curators and industry leaders in these sectors to better understand the issues they are facing. The minister also worked closely with them during pre-summit meetings to prepare for this gathering. This summit will help these sectors collectively chart a path towards positioning the arts, culture and heritage sectors for long-term growth.

The summit’s four themes will be:

• Promoting long-term competitiveness and growth;
• The return of visitors and engaging new audiences;
• The role of digital platforms in arts, culture and heritage sectors; and
• The contribution of cultural sectors to reconciliation, combatting climate change and building an open and more inclusive society.

The discussions taking place in person and online will help strengthen ties across Canada’s arts, culture and heritage communities, promote greater collaboration and position them for greater competitiveness and growth in Canada’s broader post-pandemic recovery. A diverse array of participants will take part in the event, including artists, creative professionals, heritage workers, business leaders and philanthropists, ensuring that all parts of Canada’s cultural ecosystem are present.

The various sessions will feature a keynote speech by Minister Rodriguez, an armchair discussion with leaders in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors, plenary panels and breakout sessions focused on key themes and opportunities for attendees as well as artistic and cultural programming, including live performances.

The summit will take place in a hybrid online/in-person setting at the National Arts Centre. Invitations for the in-person component of the event have been extended and attendance for the live virtual webinar is open for pre-registration.

For the live virtual webinar, cultural workers in communities across Canada can now register online to participate in the virtual experience. Registration is required to attend the virtual event.

The summit will follow all public health and safety guidelines including masking requirements at the National Arts Centre.

Further event details on the summit are available online. Please visit our website for updates.