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The Canadian Network on Arts and Learning Declaration
Toronto, December 4, 2009
Assembly of the Canadian Network for Arts and Learning at the
Canadian Symposium on Arts and Learning
Whereas research offers mounting evidence of the value of arts and learning, both as an intrinsic component of human culture that deserves formal recognition in the school curriculum and as an instrument for achieving a wide range of essential learning goals, both in formal and informal settings, as a vital component of life-long learning.
Recalling
- the right to education and the right to participate freely in the cultural life of the community (as stated in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Articles 26-27, and the 1990 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Articles 28 and 31)
- the right of everyone to education that shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and the right of everyone to take part in cultural life (as stated in the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Articles 13 and 15)
Noting
- that the UNESCO Road Map for Arts Education" seeks to promote a common understanding among all stakeholders of the importance of Arts Education
- that education in Canada is a provincial and territorial responsibility
Recognizing that this is a matter of urgent concern within Canada and internationally.
Conscious of the need for supporters of arts and learning to:
- Develop resources, both tangible and creative, to strengthen arts and learning in the context of life-long learning
- Strengthen bridges between all who share a commitment to arts and learning
- Promote recognition of the importance of arts and learning in public policies
- Encourage quality learning programs for artists, educators and community arts organizers
- Advocate appropriate investment and the effective implementation of exemplary programs led by qualified artists and educators throughout education systems, community-based projects and outreach initiatives of arts organizations
- Encourage shared activities and partnerships among stakeholders in arts and learning
- Foster and disseminate Canadian research in arts and learning
- Support and promote diversity and be a catalyst for healthy dialogue about arts and learning among Canadian communities, respecting linguistic, age based, gender-based, social, cultural and religious diversity.
The Canadian Network for Arts and Learning declares its support for the work of UNESCO, the World Alliance for Arts Education and other national, provincial, territorial, regional and international organizations both governmental and non-governmental in promoting the introduction and enhancement of high quality arts education in schools and a wide range of community programs and arts outreach initiatives throughout Canada and around the world.
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