Advocacy
We believe that the arts have true power to change lives, communities, and our world, and that change starts with education. Below are resources to help us better listen, learn, and grow.
To read Symphony Nova Scotia’s stand on #BlackLivesMatter, click here.
ORANGE SHIRT DAY – SEPTEMBER 30
Phyllis Webstad talks about her memories of Residential schools and the meaning of Orange Shirt Day.
OCTOBER IS MI’KMAQ HISTORY MONTH
October is Mi’kmaq History Month, where we honour, celebrate, and increase our knowledge and awareness of Mi’kmaw culture, history, and heritage. Click on the image to view the full-size 2020 Mi’kmaq History Month poster, highlighting plant knowledge and uses.
- Visit the Mi’kmaq History Month website.
- Learn more Treaty Day, where we commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Peace in 1752 between the Mi’kmaw people and the British Empire.
- Find out more about the origins of Mi’kmaq History Month.
- A calendar of events celebrating Mi’kmaq History Month.
MUSIC FROM MI’KMA’KI AND WOLASTOKUK
Listen and learn about music from Mi’kma’ki and Wolastokuk in this playlist featuring a number of local artists.
MUSIC FROM KA’NATA
This playlist highlights artists from First Nations across the country, including Buffy Sainte-Marie, the Jerry Cans, Jeremy Dutcher, and Tanya Tagaq.
SUPPORTING BLACK NOVA SCOTIANS
- How to support Black organizations in Nova Scotia (The Coast)
- Hear more Black voices (CBC Nova Scotia)
- Resources to start learning about racism in Halifax and beyond (The Coast)
ORCHESTRAL MUSIC BY BLACK COMPOSERS
- Music by Black Composers: Aims to increase diversity in the world of classical music, and inspire Black students to pursue instrumental training.
- The Institute for Composer Diversity: Committed to the celebration, education, and advocacy of music by composers from historically underrepresented groups.
- Exploring the life of Chevalier de Saint-Georges, The ‘Black Mozart‘ (WBUR)
- 9 black composers who changed the course of classical music history (Classic FM)
- Great divide at the concert hall (New York Times)
ORCHESTRAS AND DISCRIMINATION
- Why is American classical music so white? (NPR)
- Systemic discrimination: The burden of sameness in American orchestras (I Care if You Listen)
- Inside the battle to diversify orchestras, one costly audition at a time (Color Lines)
- Perfect Fifth of Diversity: A framework for orchestra self-assessment (Orchestras Canada, by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser)