Changes Implemented during the Program Evaluation

Some of the most significant changes related to arts and culture within the Government of Alberta between 2006 and 2009 included:

  • Creation of the Ministry of Culture and Community Spirit in March 2008.
     
  • Establishment of the Premier’s Council on Arts and Culture in December 2008.
     
  • Significant increases in funding to artists and arts organizations from $16 million in grants in 2003-04 to just over $36 million in 2008-09.
     
  • The introduction of Alberta’s Cultural Policy, The Spirit of Alberta, in 2007, which makes explicit the Provincial government’s support of fostering and supporting excellence in, capacity for and access to arts and culture in Alberta, with specific support of the work of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
     
  • The inaugural Alberta Arts Day was celebrated in September 2008 with an expansion to a three-day celebration in 2009. Alberta Arts Days 2010 is scheduled for September 17-19.
     
  • The establishment of the Alberta Creative Development Initiative (ACDI); a partnership between the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Canada Council for the Arts, in collaboration with the Calgary Arts Development Authority and the Edmonton Arts Council.
     
  • The AFA’s capacity was expanded to provide effective and appropriate support to Aboriginal Artists and Arts Organizations.
     
  • Posting Juror Handbooks on the Alberta Foundation for the Arts website.
     
  • The process of digitizing the AFA Art Collection was initiated.
     
  • The cap on project grants for individual artists was raised from $10,000 to $15,000.