Canadian Culture and Arts Development (1960s Onwards)

Introduction to Canadian Culture Post-1960s

  • In the 1960s, there was a strong push for a distinctive Canadian culture.
  • Concerns arose about the overwhelming influence of American culture on Canadian consumption.
  • The Canadian government took action to cultivate national identity in the arts.

Formation of CRTC

  • In response to concerns about American cultural dominance, the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) was formed.
  • Its role was to regulate broadcasting content on TV and radio, enforcing a quota for Canadian content.
  • The original quota was set at 60% Canadian content for broadcasts.

Impact of CRTC Quotas

  • The intention behind these quotas was to promote the production of Canadian television shows, music, and radio programs.
  • Despite these quotas, many television stations circumvented them by producing lower quality daytime programming, such as game shows and talk shows.
  • Prime-time slots continued to be dominated by American productions.

Emergence of Canadian Nationalism

  • The 1960s and onwards saw a rise in Canadian nationalism, with artists and the public seeking to distance themselves from the U.S.
  • Events like the Vietnam War and race riots contributed to this sentiment.
  • This era led to a flourishing of Canadian art, literature, music, and filmmaking.

Canadian Musicians' Success

  • Notable Canadian musicians found success both domestically and in the U.S., including:
    • Hank Snow (country)
    • Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray (folk rock)
    • The Guess Who, Rush, Neil Young, Celine Dion (rock)
  • Some critics argued these artists did not focus on Canadian themes in their work.
  • Folk musicians like Stompin' Tom Connors and Stan Rogers wrote patriotic songs centered on Canadian history.

Canadian Literature Boom

  • The post-1960s era was considered a golden age for Canadian literature, with authors gaining international acclaim.
  • Margaret Atwood emerged as a leading author, whose works often explored themes of victimization and survival in the Canadian landscape.
  • Other notable authors included Robertson Davies, Timothy Findlay, Margaret Laurence, Carol Shields, and Mordecai Richler.
  • Richler argued that Canadian writers should engage with global themes and not limit themselves to national narratives.
    • His work often critiqued Canadian society and politics.

Challenges in Canadian Film

  • The National Film Board (NFB) was initially limited to producing documentaries; there was reluctance to fund narrative films.
  • The Canadian Cooperation Project allowed some U.S. films to highlight Canada, but American films maintained dominance in Canadian theaters.
  • By the late 1960s, the Canadian Film Development Corporation (now Telefilm) was established to support Canadian film.
  • Funding for Canadian films allowed for some successful productions, but many films were experimental and did not resonate with mainstream audiences.

Quebec's Distinct Cultural Scene

  • Quebec maintained a vibrant cultural identity due in part to the language barrier. French-language content was essential.
  • Quebecois authors, musicians, and filmmakers thrived, with significant figures like Gabrielle Roy, whose work gained international attention.
  • The CBC established Radio Canada to ensure French-language programming and support for Quebecois artists.
  • Quebecois film exemplified traditional values but also began addressing modern issues and questioning norms.

Nationalism and Change in Quebec Cinema

  • Quebec artists were influenced by emerging nationalism, with many artists supporting the separatist movement.
  • Films like Mon Oncle Antoine by Claude Jutra addressed themes of class struggle and national identity, critiquing Anglophone exploitation.

Multicultural Influences in Canadian Film

  • As Canada became more multicultural, filmmakers began exploring the experiences of diaspora communities.
  • Films such as Double Happiness (1994) and Ararat reflect the narratives of immigrant families and historical traumas.
  • Indigenous filmmakers also started reclaiming their narratives through film, with works like Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001), presented entirely in the Inuit language.

Conclusion

  • Overall, the struggle for Canadian cultural identity involves grappling with the influence of American culture.
  • Government interventions sought to cultivate Canadian talent, with varying degrees of success.
  • Quebec's unique cultural identity highlighted a different relationship with nationalism and cultural production.
  • Today, Canadian art continues to reflect this diversity and complexity of experience.