Resources

The following resources are available for public use. If you intend to use any of the information you find here, please credit it to the original author. These documents are available in PDF as well as HTML formats. "The Artist, Culture and Globalization and The Founding Meeting of the International Network for Cultural Diversity" INCD Secretariat Report on Sessions, September 24-26, 2000, Santorini, Greece. PDF | HTML "Copyright Issues in Trade Agreements." Lesley Ellen Harris. 1997. International trade agreements are an important means of protecting intellectual property. PDF | HTML "First Meeting of the CCA's International Advisory Committee." Canadian Conference on the Arts. April 16, 1999. Minutes of a meeting of the International Advisory Committee which included discussion of the effect of global trade combined with rapid technological change and the consequences of failure to address the importance of culture on the international trade agenda. PDF | HTML "The MAI and Culture." Garry T. Neil. Dismantling Democracy, The Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) and its Impact. Andrew Jackson and Matthew Sanger, eds. (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives). 1998. Explores the ways in which international trade agreements such as the MAI undermine the efforts of national governments to protect their cultures. PDF | HTML "Possible Content of an International Instrument on Cultural Diversity." Ivan Bernier. 1999-11-24. Offers ideas about the promotion of a political approach to international relations that fosters cultural diversity and methods of increasing public recognition of the importance of cultural diversity and the acceptance of the need for differential treatment of cultural goods and services in international trade agreements, based on each country's concrete requirements. PDF | HTML "(More than) 100 Ways Globalisation Affects Music" Richard Letts. Music Forum, Journal of the Music Council of Australia, Syndey. May 2000. Survey of the framework affecting government policy and private advocacy: categories of trade (goods, services, and intellectual property) and technological change. PDF | HTML "Help us Build an International Network for Cultural Diversity " Canadian Conference on the Arts. February 2000. Lists principles on which policies recognizing cultural diversity should be based and calls for individuals to help build an international network for cultural diversity. "The WTO: What Happened in Seattle? What’s Next in Geneva?" Scott Sinclair. January 17, 2000. An analysis of why the World Trade Organization’s talks in Seattle failed and how the WTO will proceed. "CCA in Seattle for WTO Trade Negotiations" November 29, 1999. Canadian Conference of the Arts. Argues that Canadian negotiators must be alert to threats to Canada's culture which may arise out of the WTO negotiations and outlines some of the CCA's activities during the negotiations. "Wake Up Call in Seattle." December 1, 1999. Canadian Conference of the Arts. Summarizes CCA activities during the WTO negotiations. "Need to Remain Vigilant." December 3, 1999. Canadian Conference of the Arts. Expresses concern that the final agreement worked out by the World Trade Organization will not include protection of national culture. "Trade Deals Still Threaten Culture after the Battle in Seattle" Canadian Conference of the Arts. December 21, 1999. Looks at the threats posed to cultural diversity by international trade organizations other than the World Trade Organization. "At Home in the World: An International Forum on Culture and Cooperation." Canadian Conference of the Arts. June 29, 1998. A Report documenting the principles by which individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) could preserve, enhance and nurture cultural pluralism and diversity, including a section on recommended actions. "Presentation of the CCA to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade" Megan Williams (Canadian Conference of the Arts). March, 1999. Outlines the CCA's position on preserving cultural diversity in the face of international trade agreements. "The Mission of the Global Network of Non-Governmental Culture Organizations." November 12, 1998. A mission statement developed by the CCA and Swedish Joint Committee of Literary and Artistic Professionals identifying the objectives for a viable and effective international network to promote cultural pluralism. "Budapest Declaration." The Council of Europe. May 7, 1999. A statement arising out of a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of Europe’s member states which argues for growing ties between the countries while protecting the linguistic and cultural differences of their citizens. "Canada-Mexico Joint Communiqué on the Importance of Cultural Diversity." Canadian Heritage Ministry. February 18, 1999. Outlines some actions which Canada’s Minister of Heritage and Mexico’s President of the National Council for Culture and the Arts agree are necessary in order to promote and preserve the diversity of cultures and languages. (NOTE: a Spanish version is at the same URL as the English version.) "UNESCO Roundtable on Cultural Diversity in a Globalised World." Canadian Heritage Ministry. October 29, 1999. Press release describing what will take place at an international roundtable on cultural diversity in a globalised world. "Second Informal Meeting of the Network on Cultural Policies." Canadian Heritage Ministry. September 20-21, 1999. Site includes a report, working paper and press releases arising out of a meeting of representatives of 20 countries on the subject of the challenge to culture in the face of globalization. "General Conclusions of the Symposium of Experts on Culture: A Form of Merchandise Like No Other? Symposium of experts on Culture, Markets and Globalisation." Jacques Renard (UNESCO) June 14-15, 1999. Summarizes the thinking of the experts brought together by UNESCO on the questions of what cultural goods are and how public policies can keep national cultures alive. "Our Creative Diversity." World Commission on Culture and Development (UNESCO). 1995. A chapter by chapter summery of the books which argues for a commitment to pluralism within the framework of global development. "Culture, Trade and Globalisation: Questions and Answers." World Commission on Culture and Development (UNESCO). Answers 25 questions related to international trade agreements and culture. "’Economic Benefits and Public Finance: The Role of Governments’ At The ‘Understanding Culture in Sustainable Development: Investing in Cultural and Natural Endowments’ Conference of the World Bank and UNESCO." Sheila Copps (Canadian Heritage Minister). September 29, 1998. Copps expresses the Canadian government’s support for moving culture from the margins to the center of debates on trade policy. For resources in French, CLICK HERE For resources in Spanish, CLICK HERE