When you are spreading the news about your Culture Days activity, don’t forget to also contact your elected representatives.  This will support the Culture Days objective to build public awareness for the importance of arts and culture in our communities.  Nothing could better foster a broad appreciation for the arts among our elected officials than witnessing local artists engage the public with their arts activities in their own ridings.

City or town Councillors, Members of Parliament (MP) and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP)* value communications from their constituents. They want to be informed of the issues that are important to voters and know what is happening in their constituencies. Like the public at large, elected representatives don’t always understand what artists do or recognize the value your work contributes to their community. A greater appreciation among elected representatives for arts and culture will have a positive long-term impact on the whole cultural sector. Don’t be shy; invite them to your activity and start up a conversation. You may be surprised how interested they are in the arts and to learn about your work.

Elected representatives can be overwhelmed with the sheer volume of emails and other pieces of correspondence that they receive.  Make your invitation and activity stand out by emphasizing how Culture Days offers them a unique behind-the-scenes peak at the creative process. Invite them to come try their hand at art making or to meet one-on-one with creators.  

* The official name of provincial elected representatives varies depending on the province. In Ontario they are called MPPs. Please visit your provincial government website to find out the official title of your elected representatives to properly address them in your letter.

How to contact your elected representative

Federal Members of Parliament
View a list of current MPs here or search for your riding and MP at Elections Canada. 

Please note: Mail may be sent postage-free to any Member at the following address:
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1A 0A6

Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament
View a list of current Ontario MPPs here or find your electoral district at Elections Ontario.  In other provinces please consult your provincial government website for similar directories of elected representatives.

Did you know that Fridays are Constituency Day for Ontario MPPs? Most MPPs should be in their home ridings on Fridays so you have a better chance that they will attend an activity taking place on September 24.

Regions, Counties and Municipalities
There are hundreds of regional councils and municipalities across Ontario and thousands across Canada with varying and sometimes overlapping responsibility for arts and culture infrastructure. Despite this patchwork, it is often the politicians at the local level who are the most engaged with their community’s cultural events. As a result, it is worth the effort to find out how to contact your councillors and mayor and to invite them to your activity.  

View the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s list of municipalities, counties, regions and districts here with links to each municipality’s official websites.

Tell us what they said
Let us know if an elected representative has confirmed his/her attendance at your activity and whether he/she will be making a public statement or will be doing a photo-op. Also let us know if an elected representative has sent you any interesting feedback on Culture Days or your activity.

Written by Aubrey Reeves, OAC’s Ontario Culture Days Animator/Coordinator