It is a rare occurrence when two organizations can blend their collective strengths into a vibrant new entity while maintaining the unique characteristics created by their history. Such an event takes place this month when Cardus and The Centre for Cultural Renewal join forces to create the new Cardus Centre for Cultural Renewal. Under an agreement based on shared values and respect for philosophical autonomy, Cardus will become the parent organization while the Cardus Centre for Cultural Renewal will continue to offer signature programs such as Lex View, Centre Points and the annual Hill Lecture. The relationship will be akin to that of a university and a research institute operating under its aegis.

The Centre for the Cultural Renewal (CCR) has a well-known track record years arguing for the importance of religion to culture and culture to religion. Since 1993, through the disciplines of philosophy, politics, media and law, the CCR historically brought together the best intellectual minds to generate ideas that have consequences. The result is a set of arguments with gravitas and intellectual capital used successfully with the Supreme Court, in Parliament and by countless cultural influencers and commentators.

Beginning in 2000 Cardus, formerly the Work Research Foundation, has established an impressive body of work engaging culture through social architecture. Working outward from the analysis that civic, cultural and economic flourishing requires a new and innovative arrangement of our social institutions, Cardus is generating and incubating a set of ideas that will renew civil society. At Cardus, renewal comes from a strongly held conviction that economic, social and religious matters deeply influence each other and are ignored at our peril. A healthy and robust civil society is the product of wise institutional cooperation.

Cardus and the Centre for Cultural Renewal have been on parallel journeys for a decade. They will now formally marshal their collective resources, pool their influence, social and intellectual capital and work with even greater efficiency and effectiveness to realize the vision that unites them. What each does well, it will continue to do. What both can do better together is the unifying journey that begins now.

In a marketplace of ideas dependent on the generosity of patrons, it is appropriate that like-minded institutions join forces to avoid duplication of initiatives, guarantee effective use of financial commitments and ensure proper stewardship of contributions in time, energy and good will from donors and supporters. Bringing the fresh strength of one out of the efforts of the many requires critical care, however, to protect and promote the best of each organization’s legacy. It is a first principle of the Cardus Centre for Cultural Renewal that we will draw on the wisdom of earlier work, and the intellectual traditions of both organizations, in building a sure means for the cultural engagement ahead.

Thank you for your past support, and in advance for future partnership.

Michael Van Pelt
President, Cardus

Peter Stockland
Director, The Cardus Centre for Cultural Renewal