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Culture as an Economic Engine: We Break it Down for You

man seeing a piece of art
Photo Credits: Vernon Public Art Gallery

Culture has become a driving economic engine coast-to-coast in Canada. The words ‘economic engine’ may not hold much sex appeal, they might not speak immediately to your art-y heart, but here’s why they matter:

Municipalities that adopt culture as an industry have gained positive economic benefits for their communities, reports the Creative City Network which exists to support cultural development across Canada. “Cultural industries create job growth, turn ordinary cities into “destination cities,” create interconnections between arts and business, revitalize urban areas, attract skilled workers, and create spin-off businesses.”

Economic impacts

The direct economic benefits of profitable arts and cultural industries are economic growth and promotion of the arts and culture (Reeves, 2002). The sales of tickets to plays, performances, exhibits, and museums produce direct profits for arts and culture initiatives

(Ontario Trillium Foundation Report, 2003; Ottawa Jazz Festival, 2005; Stratford Festival, 1997).

Susan Point Sculpture by Mike Crane
Photo: Tourism Whistler

Translation: More money in your creative pockets

Profitable arts and cultural industries create job growth in the cultural sector and subsequently expand the sector as a whole (Canada Council for the Arts, 2004; City of Saskatoon profilecreativecity.ca/project-profiles/Economic-Engine-Saskatoon.html; Statistics Canada, 2005; Western Economic Development, 2003).

Translation: Arts beget arts

Public and private assistance can facilitate the growth of arts and culture as a strong, interconnected, and legitimate industry. Private funding for the production of performances, or for the construction of facilities, helps the growth of the arts and cultural sector (chrc, 2001).

Public assistance, grants, scholarships, and infrastructure funding also benefit the arts and cultural sector (e.g., Go West Music).

Translation: More infrastructure means more room for creative experimentation and growth.

The recent trend in creative cities has anchored the arts and culture as key industries in municipal economic development (Landry & Greene, 1996). Cities that foster arts and culture as a local industry can promote the “clustering” of arts and cultural producers (Smith, 2004;

Smith & McCarthy, 2004; Western Economic Development, 2003). When cities foster the arts and cultural sectors they become more economically competitive with other cities and regions

(Dziembowska & Funck, 1999).

Translation: Stick together. If you create it, they will come.

Cultural businesses which support the creation and marketing of the arts (like us!) create a direct economic benefit and help foster creative connections in the communities where they exist.

You are part of the economic engine…own it!

To read the full report, click here.

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Reshaping Collections: Where History Meets Art | Chinese Canadian Museum

Chinese Canadian Museum
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Date:
January 1, 2025
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September 28, 2025
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Vancouver, BC (September 4, 2024) – The Chinese Canadian Museum is launching a brand new exhibition inside the Poy Family Gallery titled Reshaping Collections: Where History Meets Art from September 25, 2024 to September 28, 2025, featuring unique art creations by six diverse Chinese Canadian artists from across the country. These artists were invited to reinterpret historical and cultural objects and materials that explore Read more...
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Date:
January 1, 2025
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December 31, 2025
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Welcome to the Vancouver Art Walk, an initiative designed to showcase the remarkable galleries and art spaces in the Vancouver Arts District. Our mission is to collaborate with commercial and non-profit galleries and creatives to provide visitors with an exceptional and well-curated tour that can be enjoyed at their own pace. Our carefully crafted map presents a selection of the most Read more...
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Date:
January 1, 2025
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December 31, 2025
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Year Round Tour of Artists’ Studios Look for the flying PURPLE BANNERS all along the Sunshine Coast from Langdale to Powell River. Wherever you see a PURPLE BANNER, the arts are at work. In many cases, but not always, the banner is an invitation to drop in. Please refer to the specific listing to determine whether an appointment is required. See Read more...
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Date:
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For 44 years, Terry Fox has been an inspiration to Canadians and the world alike. In April 2024, the Royal BC Museum entered into a 20-year loan agreement with the Terry Fox Centre and the Fox family to care for, manage and preserve the legacy and personal belongings of Terry Fox. The van and a series of informational panels are Read more...
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Date:
January 18, 2025
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Date:
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January 25, 2026
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Date:
February 1, 2025
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September 30, 2025
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February – September 2025 Part 1: February 8 – May 17, 2025 Part 2: May 27 – September 27, 2025 Exhibit Opening + Artists’ Conversations: February 13 and May 29, 6 – 8pm In our 25th anniversary year, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) celebrates the vibrant and diverse artistic expressions of Japanese Canadians with the “Umami: Savouring Artistic Nikkei Identity” Read more...
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Date:
February 1, 2025
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Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents: Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist This landmark exhibition celebrates 50 years of work by renowned Haida artist Kihl ‘Yahda, Christian White. Curated by Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell, it features highlights from Christian’s career alongside pieces by his apprentices. Known for his masterful argillite carvings, jewelry, and monumental works, Christian began Read more...
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