3G - What is the role of the arts in an innovation economy?

Consider the most innovative companies in Montreal: Bombardier and Cirque du Soliel.  Do we have a similar environment in Waterloo and Southwestern Ontario?

Is the appreciation for arts part of regional culture?

Joseph says that innovation really happens when people challenge existing ideas; the arts is a forum for the kind of thinking which revolutionizes ideas in business.

Is innovation in art tied to youth and counter-culutre?

Does art reflect the condition of a society?  Does is immitate innovation, or is it a part of pioneering new modes of doing things?

How do we ronconcile the contributions of professionals (ie. Doctors) with that of artists (ie. painters)?  Do the contributions of  one ouweigh those of the other?

This group thinks that the arts have an important role to play in an innovation economy, but how can we make that viable?  Should there be a return to patronage in our community?  Should government provide incentives for businesses to support the arts?  What limitations would this kind of support place on arts?

Are the arts in Canada a public works which deserves support from the government and the common weal, or should it be a private venture subject to the same rules of competition as business?