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Sept20, 2009-Sept27, 2009 |
Ontario Arts Council comments on Guernica Press cuts
John Brotman, executive director: “We value literary contributions from all communities”
Originally Published: 2009-08-30
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Guernica Press publisher Antonio D’Alfonso
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Isabella Gagliardi’s article from the week of Aug. 19, “A small press and its big plans cut short,” left your readers with an inaccurate impression of the Ontario Arts Council’s (OAC) support for book publishing.
Contrary to several of the statements made, we value literary contributions from all communities. In fact, all OAC programs specifically encourage multicultural expression, and funded publishers reflect this policy. We also ensure that the program is always open to new publishers. This year, the Ontario Arts Council funded a new publisher from Kingsville, Ontario. Three small multiculturally-focused presses saw their grants increase this year. Another South Asian press has been in the program for over fifteen years and continues to receive a substantial grant. Our literature officer is currently in discussions with three new multicultural book publishers to encourage their application to the program. There has never been a better time for multicultural literary voices in the province. But this also means there has never been more competition for funding in this area.
Since 1995, Guernica has received $153,855 in support from the publishing program, and allocations for writers totaling $166,900 from the Writers Reserve program. This year’s grant decision with respect to Guernica may appear sudden and arbitrary; it was not. Over four years, four different advisory panels have expressed serious concerns about Guernica’s promotion, marketing, governance and financial viability. We have shared these concerns with the publisher and our hope is that Guernica will address these concerns and apply again next year.
Decisions to reduce or refuse funding in any granting period are never taken lightly. Over the last five years, eight publishers have been cut from the program. New publishers apply each year, and it can be difficult for new publishers to reach the standard necessary to receive funding. However, the budget size and cultural background of these presses do not present stumbling blocks to Ontario Arts Council funding. As is the case for all of OAC’s programs for organizational support, it is not only the quality of the artistic product, but the effectiveness of the organization, that is assessed. Given that we administer public funds, we and our advisors take this aspect seriously. It would be irresponsible not to look at the financial viability of the publisher, even if our interest is in supporting works of literature that may admittedly represent limited profitability. This is why we not only look at the kinds of books that Ontario publishers print but also at how they market these works. One of our primary interests is in ensuring that these works find readers.
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