We are in the middle of week three of “I Love Alberta Art” deliveries and PACE Board member Marian Brant is stepping up to deliver her package of 200 messages of art love.

These deliveries have been a fun way to send a serious message about Albertan’s love of the arts in our province.   Each delivery has arrived at the Alberta Legislature on a day the house was sitting.  Each package was forwarded on to Premier Ed Stelmach’s office by the security guards at the front entrance to the building via Rick, the Legislature’s mailman.  We’ve forged great friendships over the past three weeks.

Most importantly your voices are being heard about the importance of the arts to Alberta.  You should know that you are in good company.  We have some strong, influential arts champions in our province and they have had their say, as well.

“Our culture, in the largest sense, is not only how we’ll be remembered in the future, it’s how we’re known now. Nobody goes to London or New York or Toronto for the weather, and they don’t come to Edmonton for that either. Culture is good business; and it’s big business.  More than 800,000 Canadians are full-time tax-paying workers in the arts and cultural industries.  Many of them live and work in Alberta – but we can always use more.”

Tommy Banks, Senator

Musician, conductor, composer, TV personality

“Arts and culture are fundamental to who we are as a society. Civilizations remember their roots through art and stories. We need to ensure that our arts have the capacity to expand, and that our stories are not lost. A small investment goes a long way to sustaining this very important part of Alberta’s culture.”

Fil Fraser, broadcaster, author, film producer

Adjunct Professor, Athabasca University, Past CEO of Vision TV

“Communities across Alberta engage in art and culture every day.  From small theatre groups, to painters, to those who give us their songs, they enrich our lives, define us as people and communities, and tell the stories of real, every day Albertans.  We need to continue to support our arts and cultural industries to ensure that they thrive and grow.”

Morris Flewwelling, Mayor of Red Deer

Widely recognized for achievement in Heritage Conservation, volunteer leadership, community building

Go to http://www.pacedmonton.com/advocacy/toolkit/ and scroll down to read more quotes from our Arts Champions.  While you’re there, also download a postcard or link to our “I Love Alberta Art” petition and send your message to Premier Stelmach.