Who handles arts & culture?
Arts & Culture
Arts and culture involve all levels. Federal provides national funding through the Canada Council for the Arts, each province has its own arts council (e.g., Ontario Arts Council, BC Arts Council, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec), and municipalities support local arts.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Canada Council for the Arts
- ● National museums and galleries
- ● Canadian Heritage programs
- ● CBC/Radio-Canada
💡 Example: Apply for Canada Council grants, or contact your MP about cultural policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial arts councils (e.g., Ontario Arts Council, BC Arts Council, CALQ in Quebec, Alberta Foundation for the Arts)
- ● Provincial museums and heritage sites
- ● Provincial cultural programs
- ● Film and media industry support
💡 Example: Apply to your provincial arts council for funding, or contact your MPP/MLA about cultural heritage.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local arts funding and grants
- ● Community theatres and galleries
- ● Public art programs
- ● Municipal cultural events and festivals
💡 Example: Contact your municipal arts office, or your councillor about local cultural programming.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →