Artists and representatives from organizations committed to and passionate about arts and culture in Canada gathered at The Banff Centre in April for the first national Art Matters forum.

Creative minds from around the country were invited by Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond to create a space for debate, dialogue, and discussion.

The Banff Centre was specifically chosen by the Governor General of Canada as the venue for the forum in order to honour and highlight the Centre’s 75th anniversary year. “We could not have asked for a better place in which to explore the luminous presence and scope of Canadian art than this multidisciplinary centre for the arts, where emerging trends are given free rein,” said Her Excellency. “For 75 years The Banff Centre has proven that art can change lives, and that here in the mountains education, creativity, and leadership can flourish.”

This national Art Matters discussion summarized the 23 local forums held to date across Canada and abroad, and included artists and managers from cultural organizations and universities across Canada. Discussions focused on art and its role in Canada’s identity. The Governor General’s office worked closely with the Centre’s vice-president of programming, Sarah Iley, to develop the themes and format for the three-day forum.

“With each forum, I have been impressed by the insight and liveliness of the discussions. I sometimes feel as though I have plunged into a whirlpool of culture and ideas,” the Governor General said. “Yes, art is essential; art is vital if we are to thrive as a society; art propels us through time, through history, out into the world, into the imaginary and into the very real.”

The theme for the Banff Art Matters forum was “Made in Canada — Art as an Essential Resource.” “It is our way of encouraging you, the artists and advocates for the arts and culture, to continue offering us new ways of seeing the world, of digging beneath its surface and enriching it with a multitude of viewpoints,” Her Excellency said.

During the forum, His Excellency Mr. Lafond stated that as a country we know what Canadian artists are not; we just need to figure out what they are and what makes their creations unique. “Hundreds of artists, administrators, researchers, and patrons have attended and taken part in these debates on our evolving culture… we have the same goal every time — to provide a space for people to discuss and reflect on Canadian culture,” he said.

Over the three days of discussions, co-hosted by Sarah Iley and artist emeritus-in-residence John Murrell, the participants shared ideas, opinions, and examined the issues most important to ensuring a vital cultural life in Canada.

Collectively, they produced a summary document and 20 recommendations that will form the basis of the next Art Matters.

“For generations, this Centre has helped bring to the world many of our best and brightest, without whom our imaginations would surely starve,” Her Excellency said. “It is also a driving force, pushing our society forward by encouraging daring and creativity in all forms.”

At the closing, the Governor General spoke passionately about how for 75 years, The Banff Centre has proven that investing time, ideas, and money in culture is not in vain, referring to culture as a high-yield investment.

“The governments and donors that collected $123 million for your fundraising campaign also enthusiastically support creation, and have thus enabled you to build a new campus, one filled with promise for another 75 years of inspiration — or even more.”