A showcase event for Canadian jazz proposed for 2010 and meant to market musicians to international promoters appears to be doomed because of recent federal arts funding cuts.
Jazz Festivals Canada, the not-for-profit organization consisting of 19 events across the country, was in the midst of planning Total Jazz Totale, envisioned to take place in Ottawa in the summer or fall of 2010.
However, last month's cancellations of the federal PromArt and Trade Routes programs place the event in “serious jeopardy," said Jazz Festivals Canada president Catherine O'Grady.
“We've had the rug pulled out from under us," said O'Grady, who is also the executive producer of the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.
“It's just a real slap in the face to a mature and sophisticated artistic community that deserves to be showcased," she said.
She said she has attended similar events in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, which enjoyed government support so that O'Grady and scores of foreign buyers had their expenses paid. She said that “nine times out of 10," she and other invitees went home with strong leads regarding musicians they would present in Canada.
With PromArt eliminated, O'Grady fears there will be no way for Canadian jazz promoters to reciprocate and thereby boost the international careers of Canadian musicians.
“There's no money to invite presenters the way we have been invited," she said. “Is there any point to doing this whatsoever?"
Jazz Festivals Canada, the not-for-profit organization consisting of 19 events across the country, was in the midst of planning Total Jazz Totale, envisioned to take place in Ottawa in the summer or fall of 2010.
However, last month's cancellations of the federal PromArt and Trade Routes programs place the event in “serious jeopardy," said Jazz Festivals Canada president Catherine O'Grady.
“We've had the rug pulled out from under us," said O'Grady, who is also the executive producer of the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.
“It's just a real slap in the face to a mature and sophisticated artistic community that deserves to be showcased," she said.
She said she has attended similar events in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, which enjoyed government support so that O'Grady and scores of foreign buyers had their expenses paid. She said that “nine times out of 10," she and other invitees went home with strong leads regarding musicians they would present in Canada.
With PromArt eliminated, O'Grady fears there will be no way for Canadian jazz promoters to reciprocate and thereby boost the international careers of Canadian musicians.
“There's no money to invite presenters the way we have been invited," she said. “Is there any point to doing this whatsoever?"
For more information contact All About Jazz.
