Media democracy and the arts in Vancouver

Credit: Edward Burtynsky

The Alberta oil fields, as photographed by Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky—an example of art and media democracy mingling to provoke critical reflection in audiences.

^{The Alberta oil fields, as photographed by Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky—an example of art and media democracy mingling to provoke critical reflection in audiences.}

Rob McMahon talks to Media Democracy Day participants on how strengthening the integrity of media and broadening its participation connects arts, culture, community building and sustainability

As a follow up to my preview of the Media Democracy Day fundraiser, held on October 15 at the Railway, I got in touch with event organizers and one of the performers to ask them to help me define the concept.

“Media democracy” is one of those broad concepts that can mean different things to different people—a little like “sustainability.”

I was curious how participants thought media democracy connects to arts, culture, community building and sustainability. Here are their answers:

“Art and media democracy are both about empowering people to express themselves. Part of media democracy is make production and dissemination of art accessible to everyone. It’s about equipping people with the knowledge, skills and tools to effectively express themselves and the collective values of their communities.” 

“When you think about it, there is an integral link between media democracy and the arts. Art and culture can provide valuable community spaces for critical reflexivity, social opinion, and creative exploration; perhaps helping to draw better attention to and/or begin to bridge the gaps that exist in the social, cultural, political and economic constructs of our societies.”

“An example that comes to mind is Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky. He was granted permission to take photographs of factories in China, whereas he might have been denied access if he were a journalist. His stunning images of global industrial landscapes, which also include the Alberta oil fields, attract the viewer with their strange beauty while provoking critical reflection and discussion. Since art is always open to interpretation, the viewer is a participant in the making of meaning. There is a democratic exchange between artist and audience.”

“As both an artist and an independent producer of various performing arts events and projects, I have experienced first-hand what I consider to be the downfall of the legitimate mass media in our time. (Some) prominent and respected news outlets no longer seek to report news without monetary compensation under the guise of ‘sponsorship packages’ that ensure, for a fee, that your event or news item will be covered… Without some serious mediation of the ethics of journalism, we will soon live in a world void of true art and honest expression.”