Author: Hankins, Dilys

Publication Year: 1983

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This article deals with the founding of the Canada Council and it impact on developing national theatre in Canada as a means of expression of Canadian culture.

Abstract:

This article deals with the founding of the Canada Council and it impact on developing national theatre in Canada as a means of expression of Canadian culture.

In 1949, Canada's Royal Commission on National Development in the Arts, Letters, Humanities and Sciences set about the monumental task of examining the cultural and intellectual life of the country. The rationale behind such an investigation was based on the government's belief that it was in the national interest to give encouragement to institutions which express national feeling, promote common understanding and add to the richness and variety of Canadian life. In 1951, the Massey Report, as it was best known, became public. Heralded as a turning point in cultural advancement, it marked the boundary between two eras of cultural development in Canada, the case of Canadian culture as it was and as it should be in the future.

CONTENTS
The Massey report on theatre, 1951.
The Massey Report's recommendation: The Canada Council.
The Canada Council Act.
Formulation of artistic policy.
The Canada Council and Theatre.
Stage One: Internationalism and professionalism, 1957-1961.
Stage Two: The Regional Theatre Movement, 1961-1970.
Stage Three: Nationalism - The Alternative Theatre Movement and the Canadian
Playwright, 1970-82.
Changing Policy: new theatre guidelines, 1979.
Conclusions.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Funding