The Arts in Canada
Arts: "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others. It enriches our life, and enables us to share our stories. It allows us to express ourselves freely and shape our cultural identity.
The earliest form of art in Canada are the paintings on the granite rocks of the Canadian Shield. Several hundred sites across Canada, going back at least a thousand years, depict people, animals and possibly religious icons.
Rock drawings are cultural records of early historic life. Many paintings have survived but we don’t know much about the meaning of them. They are created by applying pigment to the rock surface, or by scratching at the surface of the rock.
There are many native carvings that have stood the test of time. These objects carved out of stone and bone gave birth to an industry that still flourishes today and is growing and evolving, exploring new materials and techniques.
From Canvas to Computer, from the old masters to the computer whiz kid. The art is the same, the medium has changed. In both cases you have a canvas and a drawing tool. The canvas might be wood, canvas, paper or a computer screen. The tool a piece of charcoal, a pencil, paintbrush or a stylus or mouse. It's a form of expression constantly evolving.
From rock drawings, soapstone carvings and totempoles, to modern day computer generated displays, Canada offers a wide variety of places to go and experience culture.
The Canada Council for the Arts is the national agency fostering the development of the arts in Canada. The Canada Council staff rely heavily on the advice of professionals from all of Canada and works in close co-operation with federal and provincial cultural agencies and departments.
For a Directory list of persons and resources visit Artists in Canada. It maintains an up to date list of professional associations, museums and galleries, articles and news items, businesses providing materials and services, educational institutions, festivals, competitions and government publications
Prepare to be dazzled at the National Art Centre. Ottawa's Gala Showcase boasts three stages for year-round performances. Hear the famed National Orchestra. Enjoy contemporary Canadian choreography, classical ballet and thrilling theatre.
You'll enjoy great international and Canada's best performers, onstage at the only bilingual, multidisciplinary performing centre in North America.
