Banff, Saturday, April 26, 2008
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We could not have hoped for a more appropriate place for such engaging and uninhibited thought than this mountain range spanning an entire continent.
It would be difficult not to be inspired by such majestic landscapes. In these surroundings, the mind can be set free. Free to reflect, free to dream, free to create and to invent. The air itself is invigorating!
That is what you have done over the past few days.
You have allowed yourselves to imagine.
To imagine a country that would find in its art all that makes it unique and vibrant.
A country that would find in its art the will to claim its identity, to affirm itself, to renew itself, and to offer a unique vision of the world.
You said:
This unique way of seeing the world, of feeling it and expressing it is a vital part of identity, be it collective or individual.
You said:
There can be no identity without culture, without the arts and the artists through which it can be expressed.
You said:
Artists create without apology, driven by a single desire to leave their mark on the world, for generations to come.
Both public and private institutions and organizations have a responsibility to them. It is the responsibility to use every means possible to encourage their creative spirit, which is key to social change and renewal.
You said:
A society that does not promote its artists, that does not seek to enrich its own culture, is doomed to monotony, to ruin, to extinction.
It was this thought in particular that reminded me of the words uttered by painter Fernand Leduc last year, when he received the Governor General's Award for Visual and Media Arts.
He quite keenly observed that the culture that has always been reflected in the multi‑faceted creativity of man is all that remains of passing civilizations.
Let's remember that.
On that insightful note, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your enthusiastic response to our invitation.
Jean-Daniel and I are impressed by your commitment and passion, by the depth and wisdom of your comments and observations.
I have no doubt that your message will carry well beyond these mountains and ring out from east to west, north to south.
I truly believe that this country is big enough to hold all of our dreams. And sometimes, all it takes is a dream to make anything possible.
Just look at this centre, dedicated to human genius, creativity and innovation, whose 75th anniversary we are celebrating tonight.
Founded at the height of the Great Depression in the 1930s, this centre was built on a promise of hope.
The hope that the forces of creation would always triumph over the forces of destruction.
For generations, this centre has helped bring to the world many of our best and brightest, without whom our imaginations would surely starve.
It is also a driving force, pushing our society forward by encouraging daring and creativity in all forms.
Through its world renowned Leadership Development program, The Banff Centre invites decision makers, policy makers, leaders in their fields to develop a more creative way of thinking.
A way of thinking that broadens horizons and offers new perspectives on the world.
A way of thinking that can bring about change and holds promise for the future.
I would like to thank The Banff Centre for guiding so many people onto the road less travelled.
Thank you also for giving our artists the means to lead us down unexpected, unimagined and enlightened paths.
To the artists and artisans of The Banff Centre, I say bravo and wish you great success as you celebrate this 75th anniversary!
To you, the artists and steadfast advocates of culture who have turned out in such great numbers, I say thank you and salute your passion and dedication!
