CULTURE
The culture of the English-speaking
Canadian people is a blend of British and American influences;
that of the French-speaking people blends French and American
influences. In general, the way of life, family structure, cuisine,
and dress are closer to those of the United States than to those
of Britain or France. Canada has become a cultural mosaic in which
immigrant groups have been able to retain much of their ethnic
culture.
The British and French heritage,
plus the influence of the United States, has led to broad diversity
of artistic endeavour in Canada, a diversity further encouraged
by groups of other national origins and a widely dispersed population.
The major metropolitan centres have provided several focal points
for artistic activity stimulated by a rapidly urbanizing society.
Since
1950 economic growth has provided all Canadians with greater means
for the practice and enjoyment of the arts, and the influx of
immigrants from many countries has increased both the audience
and the pool of available talent. Most provincial governments
provide some form of financial assistance for the arts and for
cultural organizations within their borders; and some have advisory
and funding councils for the arts. At the national level the Canada
Council was established in 1957 “to foster and promote the
study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in the arts,
humanities and social sciences.” It is funded by an endowment,
by an annual grant from the federal government, and by private
donations. The annual Governor General's Literary Awards, the
preeminent literary prizes in Canada, have served to reward Canadian
writers as well as to publicize Canadian literature through ceremonies
held in various centres across the country.
