Policy & Funding in Focus
Canada's arts and culture sector is woven not just by our diverse creatives, but also by the threads of effective policy and sustained funding. The culture sector contributes over $63 billion to Canada's GDP and employs nearly 850,000 people – a workforce comparable to that of hospitals and more than double that on farms. Advocating for a deeper understanding of these realities is crucial for developing policies that truly support those at the heart of our cultural ecosystem.
One of our goals in the last session was to explore how policymakers and funders could be better educated about the realities of cultural work. Too often, the intersectional challenges and demands of artistic and cultural professions are misunderstood. From precarious income and project-based work to the highly personal, emotional and intellectual labour involved, cultural work differs significantly from many other sectors.
Communicating the Economic and Social Value of the Arts
Our discussions also revolved around the most effective ways to communicate the economic and social value of the arts to government and funding bodies. The Design Coop has been fortunate to be involved in various nonprofit committees as well as implementing arts, culture and heritage roundtables that interact with funders from, among others, Canadian Heritage, Canada Council of the Arts, the Conseil des arts de Montreal, the Provincial Employment Roundtable, and the English-Language Arts Network.
Beyond the significant GDP contribution, the arts offer immense social value. Arts and culture participation boosts civic engagement, democracy, and social cohesion, with research indicating that people who engage with arts and culture feel a stronger sense of belonging in Canada. Arts and culture tourism can have triple the economic impact of other types of tourism, driving revenues for local businesses and amplifying economic benefits across communities. For example, in Ontario, arts and culture tourists, though only 13% of all visitors, account for 30% of total tourist spending. By articulating these tangible benefits through storytelling, data-driven impact studies, and community testimonials, investing in the arts is an investment in a prosperous and healthy society.
Advocating for Sustainable Support
Finally, we asked how can we advocate for policies that better support and sustain cultural workers?
This includes exploring mechanisms like basic income guarantees, improved access to benefits, and tailored professional development opportunities. It also means highlighting the vital support provided by initiatives like the Canadian Heritage's Official Languages Support Programs, which include the Community Cultural Action Fund aimed at strengthening the cultural, artistic, and heritage activities of official language minority communities. For English-speaking communities in Quebec, specific funds like the Dedicated Fund for the English-Speaking Communities of Quebec support projects that improve community vitality and offer services in English. The ArtistsInspire Grants facilitate partnerships between English-language schools in Quebec and English-language artistic, cultural, and community organisations, fostering cultural engagement at the grassroots level. Targeted funding like this is essential for ensuring the diversity and sustainability of Quebec's cultural landscape.
We're bringing together artists, cultural workers, and leaders to build a community of practice where shared experiences and collaborative solutions can thrive. Join us to share your insights, learn from peers, and contribute to building a stronger, more resilient future for arts and culture in Canada.
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