New Arts and Cultural Industries Economic Impact Study

Winnipeg, Manitoba—December 8, 2009: Art = Commerce. At least that is what a new study commissioned by the Winnipeg Arts Council shows.  The arts and creative industries account for $1 billion in economic activity in Winnipeg and employ about 25,000 people; that’s 6.3% of the city’s labour force or nearly enough people to fill Canad Inns Stadium. 

The study, known as Ticket to the Future, was conducted by PRA Inc. (Prairie Research Associates). PRA Inc. surveyed 115 non-profit arts organizations and found that in addition to all the revenue generated by patrons to cultural events and institutions, the organizations contribute directly to the economy themselves by spending a total of $66 million annually, the vast majority of it in Winnipeg. These organizations plan and implement 6,300 events in the city each year, offering a wide range of programming to encourage young and culturally diverse audiences to participate in the arts.  

The study also looked at attendance statistics, which show that local non-profit arts and cultural organizations attract more than 3 million visitors to Winnipeg’s museums, concert halls, and art galleries, including 500,000 visitors from outside the city. In fact, 1.9 million seats are filled each year by 12 professional local arts and cultural organizations - more than double last year’s combined attendance for the city’s professional sports franchises. 

Other study findings include: 

-    Each year, city residents volunteer almost 1.6 million hours of their time to local non-profit arts organizations, equivalent to nearly 800 full-time positions.

-    Cultural activities are the third most popular activity for tourists visiting Winnipeg, ahead of both sightseeing and outdoor sports and activities. The report estimates that tourists spent about $85 million in 2007 while enjoying arts and culture in the city. 

-    Every dollar of municipal funding attracts another $18.23 in support to local non-profit arts and cultural organizations by the private sector and other levels of government.  

-    Municipal arts funding per resident has declined from $6.34 in 2007 to $5.98 in 2009. 

-    According to local business leaders interviewed for the study, Winnipeg’s arts and creative industries significantly enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents, and serve to attract skilled workers and keep them here.

“Ticket to the Future confirms the strategic importance of arts and culture to the social, economic, and commercial fabric of Winnipeg,” said Carol Phillips, Executive Director of the Winnipeg Arts Council. “However, without a new plan for arts investment in Winnipeg, the future may be a repeat of previous decades, when funding plateaued and arts in Winnipeg suffered increasingly diminished support.”

2010 will be a landmark year for arts and culture in the City of Winnipeg, marking the designation of Winnipeg as Canada’s Cultural Capital.   

Download full study:
Ticket to the Future Phase 1
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES IN WINNIPEG
here: http://www.winnipegarts.ca/index.php?/wac/article/1781/
 
“We really need to be in tune with our strengths right now. I see the arts community as one of our key strengths.”

The Winnipeg Arts Council funds, supports and fosters development of the arts on behalf of the people of Winnipeg.  Operating at arm’s length from the City of Winnipeg, the Council is incorporated as a non-profit organization, funded by an annual allocation from the City. For more information, please visit http://www.winnipegarts.ca/.