A dynamic culture sector is a magnet for talent and a catalyst for economic prosperity, attracting people and spurring creativity across all sectors of the economy
- The Conference Board of Canada estimates that the total direct, indirect and induced contributions of the arts and culture industries in 2007 was $84.6 billion, representing 7.4% of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). For comparison, the value-added contribution of Canada’s entire retail industry was just under 6 per cent in 2007.
- The culture sector created and induced 1.1 million jobs in the Canadian economy in 2007, representing 7.1% of Canada’s total employment.*
- Culture is a growth market: Consumer spending on cultural goods and services grew by 36% between 1997 and 2003, much higher than inflation (14%) and population growth (6%).**
- Two-thirds of all international tourists participate in a cultural activity†. These arts and cultural tourists spend more and stay longer.
- In terms of international trade, the value of original visual art exported from Canada grew from $45 million in 1996 to $70 million to 1998 to $145 million in 2000.***
Cultural participation enhances Canadian society
- Cultural participation has been shown to reduce social isolation and increase the likelihood that a citizen will empathize with and assist a neighbour. In a 2005 study by Hill Strategies, cultural participants were found to be up to 41% more likely to do a favour for a neighbour than non-participants.
- Citizens who read books, attend theatre and classical music events and visit art galleries, historic sites, conservation areas or parks show are more likely to feel a significantly greater sense of belonging to their province and to Canada than citizens who do not participate in such cultural activities.
Studies show consistently that Canadians view arts and culture very positively
- In a 2005 Ipsos-Reid study, 94% of respondents said that having a wide variety of cultural activities and events makes for a better place to live.
- In a 2003 study by T.J. Cheney Research, 90% of respondents indicated that they think school children should be taken to visit public art galleries annually, with 3 out of 4 agreeing it is important to have an art gallery in their community.
Canadian’s appetite for arts and culture continues to grow. In 2003, Canadians spent:
- $980 million on live performing arts, a 31% increase from 1997;
- $530 million on works of visual art in 2003, 48% more than in 1997;
- $410 million on admissions to museums and heritage sites in 2003, 23% more than in 1997;
- $1.2 billion on books, 34% more than in 1997. For comparison, consumer spending on live sporting events was $530 million in 2003.
