Urban Mixer Blog

On Tuesday the 23rd, Maestro Bramwell Tovey, Music Director of the VSO, and former National Post Columnist Elizabeth Nickson took the stage to debate the role of Government Funding in Arts & Culture as part of the Fraser Institute’s Behind the Spin Series at OPUS Hotel.

The event, which is the second installment in the Behind the Spin series in Vancouver for Fall 2007, attracted both government and corporate funders to hear what both parties had to say.

Check out the original release and find out about the next event, titled Truly SiCKO, after the jump.

Debate: The Role of Government in Funding Arts & Culture
with Elizabeth Nickson, former Columnist, The National Post
and Maestro Bramwell Tovey, Music Director, The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Fierce, bold and always controversial, Elizabeth Nickson is an award-winning journalist known for her high-profile interviews and candid opinions. A lover of the arts herself, she is a huge opponent to government-sanctioned “official culture”. Find out why she believes we must decommission the Canada Council along with other organizations responsible for funding.

Bramwell Tovey is one of our city’s most beloved leaders in the arts community. He has created thousands of followers by sharing his passion for music and those who bring it to us. With a charming personality and engaging intellect, he will paint a compelling pitch for society’s role in supporting our institutions.

Truly SiCKO: Canada’s Ailing Healthcare System
with Rick Baker, Founder, Timely Medical Alternatives (along with other invited speakers TBC)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:30 - 7:30 pm

There are over 750,000 Canadians currently on the waiting list for referrals or medical procedures. Timely Medical Alternatives profits by helping some of them “leave the queue” by getting them treatment in private clinics in Canada or in US hospitals. Founder Rick Baker is causing waves of controversy wherever he goes and garnering media attention across North America. In fact, John Stossel of ABC’s 20/20 has recently featured him in an hour-long documentary on healthcare reform. Some say he’s a man with a passion for patients but some say he’s destroying the system Canadians hold dear. What do you think?

You can register for these events HERE. Check out all the photos from Fraser Institute events, HERE.