The Time is Now
Since 1927, CKUA Radio has been gracing the radio waves with local music, stories and information, and was Canada’s first public broadcaster! It is not only a supporter of Canadian musicians who would not otherwise get radio play, it champions the wider arts community through artist interviews, promoting festivals, gallery openings, theatre and dance events, poetry readings and so forth - it is a critical voice for Canadian Art. The music is curated by brilliant human hosts (not some inane algorithm) so we get to hear an enormous variety of music in every genre from the totally obscure to the popular, all delivered with context from friendly knowledgeable hosts. What could be better? Ok I’ll answer my own question - keeping it alive for the next 100 years would be better. The CKUA is in financial trouble and we need to help.
The CKUA has been listener supported radio (meaning it receives most of its funding by donation) since 1997 after losing government support. I’ve been an ongoing donor and avid listener since 2000, and can’t imagine life without it. I listen most every day in my studio as I work. It is energizing, educational, joyful and inspiring - a kind of audio studio assistant.
“Alto” Watercolour, Private collection
“Interlude” Watercolour, Private collection
A few still life paintings directly inspired by music
“Decca” Watercolour, Private collection
More broadly, CKUA brings people of all political persuasions together, which is so critical in this time of polarization. Far be it from me to talk politics on my website, but current divisions are clearly widening and the corporate media landscape is not helpful. CKUA unites, where so many others seek to divide. Music is a universal language, and the CKUA is the broadcaster of that language.
“Sting of Pearls” Watercolour, Private collection
The Time is Now! Please read CEO Mark Carnes’ case for asking the federal government for stable funding to keep this nearly 100 year old radio station alive and consider sending a letter to the appropriate ministers (they make it super easy with a fillable form) If you aren’t already, become a monthly subscriber - how much value are you really getting from that extra TV streaming service anyways? A few dollars a month really helps.
Thanks for reading and may the music play on!
