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2. RENEWED ACTION PLAN FOR ARTS,
HERITAGE AND CULTURE IN OTTAWA (2013-2018) NOUVEAU PLAN D’ACTION VISANT LES
ARTS, LE PATRIMOINE ET LA CULTURE À OTTAWA (2013-2018) |
COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATIONS
That Council:
1. Approve
the renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture in Ottawa (2013-2018)
attached as Document 1 and as outlined in this report.
2. Receive
the Investment Plan attached as Document 2 and direct staff to consider the
operating and capital pressures as part of the annual budget process subject to
the maximum 2.5% term of Council tax increase.
RecommandationS DU Comité
Que le Conseil municipal :
1.
approuve le nouveau Plan d’action visant les arts, le patrimoine et la
culture à Ottawa (2013-2018), lequel figure dans le document 1 ci-joint et est
décrit dans le présent rapport;
2.
prenne connaissance du plan d’investissement figurant dans le document 2
ci-joint et de demander au personnel de prendre en considération les besoins en
matière de fonctionnement et d’immobilisations dans le cadre du processus
budgétaire annuel, qui doit respecter une hausse de taxes maximale de
2,5 % pour le présent mandat du Conseil.
Documentation
1.
Deputy City Manager’s report dated 12 January 2012 (ACS2011-COS-PRC-0002).
2.
Extract of Draft Minutes, Community and
Protective Services Committee meeting of 19 January 2012.
Community and Protective Services Committee
Comité des services
communautaires et de protection
and Council / et au
Conseil
12 January, 2012 / le 12 janvier 2012
Submitted by/Soumis
par : Steve Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager/Directeur
municipal adjoint, City Operations/Opérations municipales
Contact Person/Personne ressource :
Debbie Hill, Manager, Cultural Services
Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Services/Services des parcs, du loisir et de la culture
(613) 580-2424 x 24396,
Debbie.Hill@ottawa.ca
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Ref N°: ACS2012-COS-PRC-0002 |
SUBJECT:
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RENEWED
ACTION PLAN FOR ARTS, HERITAGE AND CULTURE IN OTTAWA (2013-2018) |
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OBJET :
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NOUVEAU PLAN D’ACTION VISANT LES ARTS, LE PATRIMOINE
ET LA CULTURE À OTTAWA (2013-2018) |
That the Community and
Protective Services Committee recommend that Council:
1. Approve
the renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture in Ottawa (2013-2018)
attached as Document 1 and as outlined in this report.
2. Receive
the Investment Plan attached as Document 2 and direct staff to consider the
operating and capital pressures as part of the annual budget process subject to
the maximum 2.5% term of Council tax increase.
Que le Comité des services communautaires et de
protection recommande au Conseil :
1.
d’approuver le nouveau Plan d’action visant les arts, le patrimoine et
la culture à Ottawa (2013-2018), lequel figure dans le document 1 ci-joint et
est décrit dans le présent rapport;
2.
de prendre connaissance du plan d’investissement figurant dans le
document 2 ci-joint et de demander au personnel de prendre en considération les
besoins en matière de fonctionnement et d’immobilisations dans le cadre du
processus budgétaire annuel, qui doit respecter une hausse de taxes maximale de
2,5 % pour le présent mandat du Conseil.
On April 28, 2010, Council received an Arts and Heritage Plan Five-Year Progress Report (2003 to 2008) and approved the establishment
of and Terms of Reference for an Arts and Heritage Plan Renewal Steering
Committee to guide the Arts and Heritage Plan renewal process.
Beginning in June 2010, the Arts and Heritage Plan Renewal Steering Committee guided, advised and provided support to the renewal process which brought together the strongest diversity of representation and participation ever for municipal cultural planning purposes in Ottawa.
The renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture builds on Ottawa’s strengths; reflects Ottawa’s unique and authentic identity; aims to build pride in Ottawa as a vibrant, cultural city; and sets out a path aimed at advancing and profiting from opportunity.
The following four strategies provide the framework for the renewed six-year action plan:
Specific concrete action areas and a 6-year investment plan are outlined to support these strategies. The $5M renewed investment as identified in Document 2 represents an increase of less than $1 per-capita (90 cents) for culture per year over six years.
Given that Council approved a term of council budget direction which provides for a maximum budget increase of 2.5% per year, the proposed investments must be considered within the context of that budget direction and any additional budget directions that may be approved as part of any subsequent annual budget process.
Ottawa’s unique, local cultural assets provide significant impact and benefit to the City and the community. Ottawa’s local, non-profit cultural industry directly generated and spent $51M in Ottawa in the 2008/09 fiscal year. From 2006 to 2010, the direct leveraging effect of one municipal dollar of cultural investment was in the range of $6.28 to $11.70. A recent economic study reports that Ottawa-Gatineau’s cultural industry (non-profit and for-profit) represents approximately 4.1% of GDP, totalling $1.98B. In 2010, attendance and participation in local cultural activity totalled 4.1 million, and 21,861 volunteers provided 519,755 volunteer hours (valued at $9.1M) to the local cultural sector.
In April 2003, City Council adopted the Ottawa 20/20 Arts and Heritage Plan (AHP), within the broader context of the Ottawa 20/20 initiative. A detailed five-year action plan (2003-2008) was approved along with medium and longer-term actions. The Arts and Heritage Plan was to be reviewed and renewed for relevancy every five years.
Arts and Heritage Plan Renewal Process
In the fall of 2009, a high-level Arts and Heritage Plan renewal process was crafted in partnership with the major cultural umbrella organizations in Ottawa, including the City of Ottawa’s Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee. It was determined that after reporting on cultural progress since 2003, a path towards renewal should aim to engage artists, heritage experts, cultural workers, community leaders, connected sectors and the general public. It was also decided that significant effort would be made to reach under-represented demographics and communities including youth, Aboriginal populations and new Canadian residents.
Five-Year Arts and Heritage Plan Progress Report
At its meeting of April 28, 2010, Council received an Arts and Heritage Plan Five-Year Progress Report (2003 to 2008) that:
·
identified the significant progress made in Ottawa’s
local cultural development
since 2003;
· reviewed existing challenges in the community;
· reported on a series of standard cultural indicators;
· identified outstanding needs; and
· outlined cultural initiatives underway within the 2009 to 2011 time period.
Arts and Heritage Plan Renewal Steering
Committee
Community
Sustainability and “Choosing Our Future”
Culture is internationally recognized as one
of the four pillars of community sustainability, alongside the environment,
economy and social sphere. The City of
Ottawa has adopted this best-practice, four-pillar model within its “Choosing
Our Future” and “Community Sustainability” initiatives.
“Culture and Identity” is rooted as a primary theme within “Choosing Our Future”, an important joint planning initiative of the City of Ottawa, the City of Gatineau and the National Capital Commission. This high-level, long-term planning initiative has provided ongoing connection and an overall framework for development of the renewed action plan for arts, heritage and culture.
Recommendation One
The renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture builds on Ottawa’s strengths; reflects Ottawa’s unique and authentic identity; aims to build pride in Ottawa as a vibrant, cultural city; and sets out a path aimed at advancing and profiting from opportunity.
The following four strategies provide the framework for the renewed six-year action plan:
Specific concrete action areas (23 in total) are outlined to support the four strategies. Details are outlined in Document 1.
A Partnered Approach to Implementation
The renewed action plan has been developed in partnership with internal, external, government, private and community stakeholders. Collaboration and partnership is also the recommended approach for implementation. The action plan (Document 1) includes a legend that identifies various partners for each action.
Ottawa’s dual status as a dynamic city and a national capital provide
unique partnership opportunities and challenges. In July 2010, the Council for the Arts in
Ottawa released a report following a two-year study entitled “Arts and the
Capital City”. As part of this project, the
effect of the federal presence on resident creative talent and support to the
local arts in five national capitals (Berlin, Canberra, Helsinki, Prague and
Washington D.C.) was studied. In
general, the research highlighted a greater existence of federal trust and
deference to local expertise, as well as greater federal-local cultural
collaboration that can serve as a model for Ottawa.
Responding to Ottawa’s Changing Demographics: Older Adults and Youth
The renewed action plan aims to respond to Ottawa’s changing demographic by recommending actions that serve an increasing older adult population, nurture the potential of Ottawa’s youth, and develop cross-generational opportunities for connection, mentorship and collaboration.
The older adult population in
Ottawa is increasing dramatically, and in the next 20 years will more than
double (City
of Ottawa, Older Adult Plan Background Research: Setting the Stage, 2011). Baby boomers in Ottawa have
a higher education level than today’s older adults. Approximately 35% of Ottawa adults between
the ages of 45 and 64 have a university degree compared to 21% of the over 65
age group. Individuals with a university
degree are 5 times more likely to be involved in cultural activity than those
with less than a high school degree (Statistics
Canada, 2006).
Older adults currently represent a vibrant and vital segment of the Ottawa population. As older adult numbers grow, the role and value of culture in the city will increase. Increased opportunities to practice creativity, to pass along stories and heritage, to mentor younger residents, to attend cultural activity and performance, and to connect inter-generationally will be required. Places and opportunities for Ottawa’s older adults to serve as community cultural elders, and to pass on wisdom and legacies to younger generations will be paramount.
Ottawa’s aging demographic is integrated into the renewed planning framework, supporting the overall opportunities presented in the recommended path forward.
Youth within an aging community carry vital and essential roles as emerging leaders, successors, champions, innovators and future stewards. The information era has made it easier for young people to access and to create cultural product; and engagement in arts and culture is perhaps the strongest vector for connection and community among youth. Young people are growing up or arriving in Ottawa engaged in culture, training to a certain level in their art or vocation, and then leaving – maybe to return. Ottawa needs its young people badly. The renewed plan includes an important focus on youth.
Connecting Culture
to Economic Development, Environment and the Social Pillar
The renewed action plan was developed within an overall framework of community sustainability. Connections between culture, economic development, environment and the social sphere have been developed throughout the renewal process; and the final plan nurtures these connections concretely.
There is a tendency to separate arts, heritage, festivals and fairs from business and economy. These sectors are often spoken of as disconnected realities, and as a consequence neither side achieves its full potential. In reality, culture in any city is intertwined with its economic success. The cultural sector is a key producer of ideas and public goods for local citizens and visitors.
Authenticity, creativity and innovation are at the heart of economic growth and tourism development. Rather than treat economic and cultural realities separately, the renewed action plan recommends that Ottawa actively bring these two sectors together, seeking opportunity and synergy.
Strong connections and synergies exist between culture, heritage and the environmental agenda, in the areas of preservation, conservation and cultural heritage landscapes. The renewed action plan includes concrete actions in this regard.
A focus on access to culture for all within the action plan connects substantially to the social agenda. Major attention has been placed on ensuring that under-represented demographics and communities including Indigenous peoples, Aboriginal populations and new Canadian residents are included, heard and nurtured into the future.
2017 – 150th
Anniversary of Canadian Confederation
In terms of cultural celebration, Ottawa will be preparing to welcome Canadians from across the country and international tourists in 2017 for the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. The renewed action plan pays attention to this important anniversary and recommends that the City of Ottawa submit an application to the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Cultural Capitals of Canada” program to receive national designation and investment as a 2017 “Cultural Capital of Canada”.
Recommendation Two
The investment plan that supports
the four strategies and 23 action areas of the renewed
Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture is attached as Document 2. Renewed investment represents an increase of
less than $1 per-capita (90 cents) for culture per year over six years.
Given that Council approved a term of council budget direction which provides for a maximum budget increase of 2.5% per year, the proposed investments must be reviewed within the context of that budget direction and any additional budget directions that may be approved as part of any subsequent annual budget process.
Ongoing and improved investment remains the key to leveraging positive economic and quality-of-life impacts for Ottawa.
Surrounded by farms and nature, over 80% of Ottawa’s land is rural. The renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture identifies and embraces Ottawa’s south, east and west rural communities and culture as real assets that are unique, vibrant and valuable. Ottawa’s rural museums, historical societies, heritage projects, fairs and artistic activity are recognized as essential to the nurturing and preservation of Ottawa’s rural culture and identity.
Rural participation in the Steering Committee, individual interviews, focus groups and open houses was strong and dynamic. Interesting partnership dialogue and discussion occurred between rural, suburban and urban cultural parties. The renewed action plan includes attention to and inclusion of rural arts, heritage, festivals, fairs and culture within all four strategies.
Beginning in June 2010, the Arts and Heritage Plan Renewal Steering Committee guided, advised and provided extensive support to the renewal process attending focus groups, open houses, and briefing sessions for staff and political leaders; and assisted in making valuable links to the community.
The renewal process brought together the strongest diversity of representation and participation ever for municipal cultural planning purposes in Ottawa (see Document 4). This 18-month process represented the first time that:
a) prominent focus on and participation by First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and communities, including the Indigenous Algonquin Anishinabeg First Nation, was achieved;
b) arts, heritage, festivals and fairs gathered together for major cultural planning purposes since amalgamation;
c) the full spectrum of Anglophone and Francophone cultural communities directly connected in the interest of municipal cultural planning and development; and
d) extensive and active participation in cultural planning by new Canadians in Ottawa was achieved.
Renewed strategies and actions have been developed with input, guidance and direction from:
The Steering Committee approved the proposed Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture at its meeting of December 7, 2011.
The Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee (AHCAC) contributed to the crafting of the renewal process; participated in interviews, focus groups and open houses; and received and responded to renewal reports at its monthly meetings. The AHCAC Chair and Vice-Chair attended the December 7th Renewal Steering Committee meeting; and the Steering Committee Chair and Vice-Chair attended the December 19th AHCAC meeting. AHCAC supports the renewed action plan directions.
Not applicable as part of this city-wide report.
There are no legal impediments to implementing the recommendations of this Report.
There are no risk management implications associated with this report.
At the Council meeting of July 13, 2011, the Term of Council 2011-2014
Strategic Priorities was revised to include the renewed action plan for arts,
heritage and culture under the “Healthy and Caring Community” strategic priority:
Strategic Priority
Healthy and Caring Community - Help all residents enjoy a high quality
of life and contribute to community well-being through healthy, safe, secure,
accessible and inclusive places.
Strategic
Objective
HC4 - Improve
Arts and Heritage - Support citizens in creating and enjoying the city’s
vibrant arts and heritage, by providing innovative opportunities that engage
and support the diversity of our population in reflecting and expressing our
collective identity.
Strategic Initiatives
45 - Arts Court Redevelopment Project: New OAG space at Arts Court; New Performance
space at Arts Court
46 - Arts and Heritage Renewal Plan
ITS will work closely with Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services to
develop a detailed work plan and business cases for technology
initiatives that may be required to support this renewed action plan.
This work plan and business cases where required, would be evaluated and
approved through the City of Ottawa ITS intake process for all new technology
requests.
Future operating pressures have been
identified in Document 2 and will be reviewed and submitted to Council for
approval through the annual operating budget process following the approved
Council guidelines.
ACCESSIBILITY IMPLICATIONS
Actions that involve the building or retrofitting of cultural and creative places and spaces will be undertaken in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Document 1 – Renewed Action Plan
for Arts, Heritage and Culture (2013 to 2018)
Document 2 – Investment Plan (2013 to 2018)
Document 3 – Arts and Heritage Plan Renewal Steering Committee Membership
Document 4 – Renewal Process Leaders, Collaborators and Participants
Subject to approval of this report, the Cultural and Heritage Services Branch of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department will support and monitor development and implementation of the renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture (2013-2018), in collaboration with other City Departments.