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May 30 - June 6, 2004 |
Opening Minds and Opening Doors
Recent Innoversity Summit explores cultural diversity in the media arts and sciences
By Darby Macnab
Originally Published: 2004-05-23
Last week, the third annual Innoversity Creative Summit kicked off as about 1,000 people flocked to the Metro Convention Centre to celebrate and raise awareness of the media industry's increasing cultural diversity. Through two days of workshops, panel discussions, guest speakers and case studies, industry members investigated ways in which the media can better reflect the Canada of today - with fair representation of visible minorities, including the disabled.
Thirty years ago, it was the role of women that was under scrutiny, and an increased social awareness led to a revolution as women moved from the lower ranks and the "women's section" into the managerial and executive level of the industry. Some would argue that there is still work to be done, but there is no question that the development of women's role in media over the last few decades has had a profound effect. Working as directors, producers, writers and editors, women have made their voices heard, opening minds and creating both new opportunities and new markets.
Today, Canada's visible minorities are poised on the brink of a similar breakthrough, and the founders of Innoversity are determined to pave the way. In 2002 Cynthia Reyes and Hamlin Grange co-founded this not-for-profit initiative with a view to bridging the gap between the mainstream media and the multicultural population.
More than just a strategic planning session, Innoversity aims to provide useful networking opportunities for emerging creators, and for decision-makers in search of new talent. Finalists in the Open Door Pitch broadcast contest vied for development awards in eight different categories, while the Director's Guild held screenings of a wide variety of short films and videos. Meanwhile, in several open door sessions, cultural entrepreneurs were able to meet one-on-one with producers and industry executives, all with a view to opening up the industry to reflect the rich cultural world that Canada has become.
The CRTC has long been dedicated to making our broadcasting system reflect this new Canada, requiring that broadcasters move ahead with research, developing concrete plans while creating yardsticks to measure their success. And no broadcaster has been more successful in Employment Equity than the Weather Network. A case study presented by Human Resources personnel and other employees revealed the secrets of their success.
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