New non-partisan arts caucus forms

>> by Cynthia Brett
A newly formed non-partisan arts caucus met on Parliament Hill for the first time in October 2009. Its goal is to harmonize the cultural sector with legislators, increasing the visibility of the arts in Parliament. So far, over thirty Senators and Members of Parliament have joined. The caucus is co-chaired by representatives from each of the four official parties in the House of Commons and the group will meet about nine times a year. Denise Savoie, an MP from Victoria, told the National Post that the first meeting involved a brainstorming session where ideas such as simplifying federal funding applications and changing the tax code to encourage more donations to arts group were mentioned.