152 lines
5.7 KiB
Markdown
152 lines
5.7 KiB
Markdown
# Freedom to Create
|
|
|
|
!!! quote "Creative Wisdom"
|
|
"But what if we made something that WASN'T related to oil and gas?" - An Albertan Visionary, probably
|
|
|
|
[Call Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women](tel:7804223559){ .md-button }
|
|
[Email Minister of Arts and Culture](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/arts-support){ .md-button }
|
|
|
|
[Call Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration](tel:7806448554){ .md-button }
|
|
|
|
## Why Do We Need Freedom to Create?
|
|
|
|
Because somehow we got stuck thinking innovation only happens in the oil patch. Shocking revelation: we've got more creative potential than a pipeline proposal meeting.
|
|
|
|
### Our Current "Creative" System
|
|
|
|
!!! example "The Alberta Creative Journey"
|
|
1. We have an innovative idea
|
|
2. We're told "that's not how we do things here"
|
|
3. We're reminded about oil and gas
|
|
4. We try to get funding
|
|
5. We're asked how it helps the energy sector
|
|
6. We give up and start a trucking company instead
|
|
|
|
## What Real Creative Freedom Looks Like
|
|
|
|
- Arts funding (beyond our cowboy poetry)
|
|
- Innovation grants (for more than just drilling technology)
|
|
- Creative spaces (no not jjsy crafting nests in livimg roo.s)
|
|
- Cultural programs (that acknowledge culture exists outside of our Stampede)
|
|
- Tech incubators (for things that don't pump petroleum)
|
|
|
|
### But What About Our Economy?!
|
|
|
|
!!! info "Plot Twist"
|
|
Did we know? Creative industries can actually make money. And bonus: they don't require environmental cleanup afterward!
|
|
|
|
## Our Creative Landscape
|
|
|
|
### Arts & Culture
|
|
- Music (beyond our country western)
|
|
- Visual arts (more than wildlife paintings)
|
|
- Theater (not just rodeos)
|
|
- Drag Races (above and below ground)
|
|
- Dance (line dancing isn't our only option)
|
|
- Literature (cowboys optional)
|
|
|
|
### Innovation & Technology
|
|
- Clean tech (yes, we said it)
|
|
- Digital innovation
|
|
- Sustainable solutions
|
|
- New media
|
|
- Alternative energy (don't panic, we whispered it)
|
|
|
|
### Design & Architecture
|
|
- Urban planning (that isn't just suburbs)
|
|
- Sustainable building
|
|
- Public spaces (not everything needs a parking lot)
|
|
- Creative districts (where food trucks fear to tread)
|
|
|
|
!!! tip "Pro Freedom Tip"
|
|
If we think creativity is a waste of time, let's try living in a world without art, music, design, or innovation. Even our trucks were designed by someone creative.
|
|
|
|
## The Economic Reality
|
|
|
|
When we embrace creative freedom:
|
|
- Our new industries emerge
|
|
- Our tourism diversifies
|
|
- Our young people stay
|
|
- Our culture thrives
|
|
- Our economy grows (in new directions!)
|
|
|
|
### What We're Missing
|
|
|
|
- Creative infrastructure
|
|
- Arts education
|
|
- Innovation funding
|
|
- Cultural spaces
|
|
- Tech ecosystems
|
|
- Support for creators
|
|
|
|
## Breaking Free Together
|
|
|
|
Steps to Our Creative Liberation:
|
|
1. Let's acknowledge creativity's value
|
|
2. Let's fund diverse projects
|
|
3. Let's build creative spaces
|
|
4. Let's support local artists
|
|
5. Let's embrace innovation
|
|
6. Let's accept that not everything needs to be "practical"
|
|
|
|
!!! warning "Reality Check"
|
|
Our freedom to stick to tradition doesn't mean we can't create something new. Innovation isn't a personal attack on our way of life.
|
|
|
|
## The Bottom Line
|
|
|
|
Freedom to create means having the support, space, and resources to bring our new ideas to life. It means understanding that a thriving society needs more than just resource extraction - we need imagination, innovation, and yes, even art.
|
|
|
|
!!! note "Let's Get Creating"
|
|
Ready to support creative freedom? Let's start by:
|
|
- Supporting our local artists
|
|
- Funding our innovative projects
|
|
- Attending our cultural events
|
|
- Embracing our new ideas
|
|
- Creating something ourselves
|
|
|
|
Remember: Every great innovation started with someone having the freedom to try something different. Even our oil industry was once a crazy new idea.
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
## Sources & Evidence
|
|
|
|
### Arts Funding Cuts
|
|
|
|
- Alberta's arts and culture funding has been significantly reduced since 2019
|
|
- The Alberta Foundation for the Arts has faced budget constraints
|
|
- Municipal arts funding has been cut in both Calgary and Edmonton
|
|
- Many arts organizations have closed or reduced programming
|
|
- Source: [Alberta Foundation for the Arts](https://www.affta.ab.ca/)
|
|
|
|
### Renewable Energy Moratorium
|
|
|
|
- A **7-month renewable energy moratorium** (August 2023 - February 2024) halted 118 projects
|
|
- An estimated **24,000 jobs** were stalled during the moratorium
|
|
- Since the freeze lifted, **11 gigawatts** of renewable projects have been cancelled
|
|
- New restrictions could rule out **40% of the province** for renewable development
|
|
- Alberta was responsible for **86%** of Canada's new wind and solar capacity (2020-2024) before the moratorium
|
|
- Source: [Canadian Renewable Energy Association](https://renewablesassociation.ca/)
|
|
- Source: [CBC News - Alberta renewable moratorium](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-renewable-energy-moratorium-1.7089234)
|
|
|
|
### Tech Sector Challenges
|
|
|
|
- Tech companies have faced challenges attracting talent due to provincial policies
|
|
- Brain drain to BC and Ontario continues
|
|
- Investment in diversification initiatives has been inconsistent
|
|
- Source: [Calgary Economic Development](https://www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com/)
|
|
|
|
### Film and Television
|
|
|
|
- Alberta film industry has grown but faces competition from provinces with better incentives
|
|
- Tax credit programs lag behind BC, Ontario, and Quebec
|
|
- Local creators often must leave Alberta for opportunities
|
|
- Source: [Alberta Media Production Industries Association](https://ampia.org/)
|
|
|
|
### Innovation Economy
|
|
|
|
- Clean tech investment has been discouraged by provincial policy signals
|
|
- Research funding at universities has been cut
|
|
- Many startups relocate to more supportive jurisdictions
|
|
- Source: [Pembina Institute](https://www.pembina.org/)
|
|
|
|
 |