Measures from Other Provinces and Territories

Each province and territory implements its international cooperation measures according to its own institutional setting.

The Governement of Alberta, to begin with,  supports artists and organizations in any arts discipline that will officially represent Alberta at a national or international level, and artists from outside Alberta who are participating in an official artistic exchange. A recent example occured in March 2010, when a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Alberta Ministry of Culture, the Alberta Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations (Alberta International Office – Mexico), the Alberta Francophone Secretariat and the Regroupement artistique Francophone de l’Alberta (RAFA) facilitated opportunities for Franco-Albertan cultural ambassadors in Mexico. These cultural ambassadors showcased Alberta and promoted diverse cultural offerings at the Festival del Centro Historico and the Francophonie Festival.

The Government of Bristish Columbia, for its part, provide financial supports through two main agencies: BC Arts Council and BC Film + Media. At BC Arts Council, Touring Initiatives supports professional artists and arts and cultural organizations in British Columbia to develop markets outside the province or to represent British Columbia at significant national or international exhibitions or events. At BC Film + Media, the Passport to Markets Program supports BC film and television companies so that they can attend international markets and co-production conferences/exchanges. This fund helps offset travel, accommodation, and registration expenses.

In a different vein, the Province of New Brunswick signed in 2010 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State of Maine to strengthen their cultural ties. The two jurisdictions have committed themselves to establishing the Maine - New Brunswick Cultural Initiative, which will explore opportunities for mutual benefits from strengthened cultural relations. The MOU also acknowledges the contributions made by creative individuals, businesses and organizations to the economic and social well-being of communities.Further information can be gathered at: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2010.07.1181.html.

Similarly, the Government of Saskatchewan, the Government of Canada and the Republic of Namibia have a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to strengthen democratic government in Namibia and to share knowledge and experience in public administration. The Memorandum encourages sharing of public administration expertise in three key areas: financial management, structures and processes of executive government, and human resources. It also permits the partners to explore areas of mutual interest and to develop ways of working together on those interests.  These interests may include culture or other areas where there are similar responsibilities. Saskatchewan also has another long standing agreement with Ukraine, the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Memorandum of Cooperation, that provides a framework for stronger cultural ties and help explore opportunities and build greater capacity for economic and educational partnerships. Saskatchewan, through its agencies SaskFilm, SaskMusic and Saskatchewan Craft Council, also regularly leads trade missions with film producers, musicians and artists respectively to international markets such as USA, Europe and Asia. It also provides modest travel grants for artists are available through the Saskatchewan Arts Board, and travel and marketing programs for film producers to attend film markets overseas through SaskFilm.  SaskFilm facilitates film co-productions as well.

Finally, Ontario, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is supportive of a number of initiatives aimed at promoting international cooperation in culture. The Ministry:
- Regularly shares information and expertise with international organizations by hosting delegations (e.g., Zhejiang Association of Science and Technology, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs)
- Has entered into formal working relationships with international organizations to promote cultural exchanges of mutual benefit. For example, its agency, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has:
* Memorandums of Understanding with several major Chinese museums (e.g., Shanghai Museum, Palace Museum in the Forbidden City) and is currently exploring opportunities to share some collections with Chinese museums
* Featured recent blockbuster exhibitions supported by international governments including China (Treasures from a Lost Civilization, 2002 and The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army, 2010) and Israel (Dead Sea Scrolls, 2009-10)
- Through its agency, the Ontario Arts Council, offers:
* The National and International Residency program to promote professional development and the exchange of artistic views between artists and communities in Canada and across the world
* The National and International Touring program to support professional artists and arts organizations to tour live arts performances, exhibitions and arts events that gives Canadian and foreign audiences ongoing access to professional Ontario artists and their works
- Through its agency, the Ontario Media Development Corporation, provides the Export Fund to help creative industry companies access the global marketplace, forge partnerships with international stakeholders and attract international investment.