Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Council Act

Summary#

• This bill creates the Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Council in Alberta. Its goal is to help grow and sustain arts and creative industries and to cut red tape.
• The council will review existing government funding (grants, tax credits, investments) for arts and creative fields and recommend changes.
• It must write a provincial plan by December 31, 2025, to improve coordination, reduce costs for applicants, and support talent and marketing.
• The Minister must publish the council’s reports and take steps to carry out the plan, with annual public progress updates.

Key changes

• Sets up a council with at least 7 Alberta residents from a range of creative industries.
• Requires annual recommendations to the Minister and public posting of the report within 15 days.
• Tasks the council with making a plan to grow the arts and creative economy, reviewed at least every 3 years.
• Lets the council request information from any Minister and hear public submissions (some may be published).
• Requires the Minister to implement the plan and report progress each year by January 31.
• Takes effect December 31, 2024.

What it means for you#

• Artists and creative workers

  • You may see simpler grant and tax credit applications over time if red tape is reduced.
  • There could be new or improved programs for training and keeping talent in Alberta.
  • Provincial marketing efforts may boost audiences, sales, or bookings.

• Arts organizations and creative businesses

  • The council will review how funding works and suggest ways to lower your admin costs.
  • You can send submissions to the council; some could be published with its report.
  • A government plan must aim to improve cross‑department coordination, which could reduce duplication and delays.
  • At least one‑third of council members must be leaders of non‑profit or similar entities in the sector, which may increase practical insight.

• General public and audiences

  • Public reports will show what the plan is and how it is going each year.
  • If the plan strengthens the sector, you may see more local shows, exhibits, festivals, and media.

• Government and public agencies

  • Departments may need to share data with the council and align programs under the plan.
  • The Minister must implement the plan and table yearly progress reports in the Legislature.

• Timing

  • Council starts December 31, 2024.
  • First plan due by December 31, 2025.
  • Annual progress reports due by January 31 each year after the plan starts.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

• The bill allows paying council members and covering their expenses; amounts will be set by the government.
• The ministry must provide staff support and publish reports, which likely adds administrative costs.
• Any larger costs would depend on future actions chosen in the plan (for example, changes to grants or tax credits).

Proponents’ View#

• A single plan and annual updates will make government support clearer and more accountable.
• Cutting red tape can lower costs for artists and groups and free up time for creative work.
• Better coordination across departments can reduce duplication and speed up approvals.
• Diverse membership and public input will make recommendations more practical and fair.
• Talent development and marketing support can help keep creators in Alberta and grow jobs and tourism.
• Requiring the Minister to implement the plan turns advice into action, not just reports.

Opponents’ View#

• Creating a new council could add bureaucracy and costs without clear benefits.
• Alberta already has arts bodies; this may duplicate efforts rather than streamline them.
• Making the Minister implement a council‑written plan could tie the government’s hands or shift decisions to unelected members.
• Membership rules may be too rigid and may not reflect fast‑changing creative fields.
• Publishing submissions could raise privacy or reputational concerns for participants.
• Results depend on future plans and funding choices, so promised improvements may be uncertain or slow.