Michael Ondaatje, O.C

Michael Ondaatje, originally uploaded by johnwmacdonald.

GG Literary Award winning author Michael Ondaatje was one of the 33 invited participants at the Art Matters conference held at Rideau Hall 13 December 2007 in conjunction with the Governor General's Literary Awards. I am so glad I did not have to pull out my sketch book this time around.

The content of the programme's discussion revolved around three main areas: literature and commitment, literature and commerce, and finally, literature and communication. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean (and her husband, both being true to their passion for the arts) began the event by saying, "We see this institution as a place for dialogue, reflection and sharing. We want to throw its doors wide open to new ideas and current events, and for creative thought to flow through its historic hallways."