Rideau Hall, Friday, May 31, 2013

Sharon and I would like to welcome you here this evening. Rideau Hall has such a long history with the performing arts. Concerts and plays have been staged here, and thousands of Canadians have been witness to many artistic talents on these grounds.

But it was not until the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn and his wife, Gerda, that the office of the governor general had a specific honour for our performing artists. For this, we thank them, because it is important to recognize and celebrate the role the arts play in our lives.

After all, the performing arts are meaningful for many different reasons.

Art gives us an outlet.  

Art allows us to escape our busy lives, if only for a moment, and to express ourselves, in grief and joy, frustration and gratification—the full range of emotions. It is a way for us to examine who we are, as individuals and as a country.

And the beautiful part is that this applies both to those who are creating art and to those who are experiencing it. And it is our performing artists, including those of you whom we are honouring today, who give us that experience.

Art is caring.

Many artists and art festivals in this country rely on the kindness, the eagerness and the commitment of volunteers. Without their efforts, Canadians could not achieve the success in the arts that they have. They help provide the platform on which we stand, and they do so because they know the power of the arts.

That is why the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts is such an important component of this ceremony. Because when we acknowledge the volunteers in our communities, we are able to inspire others.

I have always said that volunteers are a vital part of our society, and here, once again, that is proven to be true. Volunteers and artists are linked, and they are part of the reason we are able to call this an Arts Nation.

Art is inclusive. 

What is perhaps most exciting about our Arts Nation is that it is constantly evolving. Today, we find many who are sharing their traditions, their cultures. We have Aboriginal and immigrant artists who are changing the way the arts are seen.

Art should not, and cannot, be limited. We must provide opportunities for the performing arts to thrive not only in our big cities, but also in our small towns, on our reserves, in our schools, everywhere there is someone who wants to create. Through art, our differences are celebrated.

Our multicultural country grows by leaps and bounds when we encourage everyone to express themselves.

And art is inspiring.

It refreshes the soul and encourages us to think of the good, the beautiful, the moving in our lives.

Art is all around us; it is in all of you; it is in Canada.

We honour all of you here for what you have accomplished in the performing arts and for what you have given to all of us during your careers. Congratulations this evening, and thank you for your art.