On Wednesday afternoon in Toronto, the Canada Council for the Arts released its new strategic plan, entitled Strengthening Connections. The plan covers the period 2011-16, and builds on “Moving Forward”, the Council’s previous 3-year plan.

In brief, the plan will:
• Continue with the five directions outlined in its 2008-11 plan.
• Reinforce the Council’s commitment to individual artists working alone or collaboratively, as the core of artistic practice in Canada.
• Broaden the Council’s commitment to arts organizations to strengthen their capacity to underpin artistic practices in all parts of the country.
• Enhance the Council’s leadership role in promoting equity as a critical priority in fulfilling Canada’s artistic aspirations.
• Make partnerships with other organizations a key element to the Council’s approach to advancing its mandate.
• Enhance the Council’s capacity to support the arts and implement change by strengthening its structure, staffing and services.
• These five directions will have an overlay of three themes:
• Facilitate greater synergy within the existing arts infrastructure to enhance sustainability and adaptability.
• Increase Council’s focus on the impact of the transition to a digital society on the arts.
• Advance a public conversation on the value that art and artists make to everyday life
In the coming weeks, Orchestras Canada’s advocacy committee will be considering the implications of the plan for the country’s orchestras, and we’ll report in once those deliberations have taken place.

For more information, and to read the plan, please visit canadacouncil.ca.