This document summarizes the key points of a regional cultural plan for Ontario. It was developed through consultation with over 340 people and incorporates findings from a previous cultural plan. The plan aims to foster regional cultural collaboration, grow culture-driven economic development through tourism and creative jobs, celebrate the region's history and heritage, and build a strong cultural sector. The cultural plan is supported by evidence that culture enriches communities, drives local economies, and improves quality of life.
2. 22
• First regional cultural plan in Ontario
• More than 340 people consulted
• Incorporated findings from North Hastings Cultural Plan
Report
• Funding received from the Cities of Belleville & Quinte
West, Hastings County, the Province and the North &
Central Hastings Community Futures Development
Corporation
4. 44
Priority in Hastings County Economic Development Action Plan &
other Plans
Enhancing “Place” attracts Lone Eagles & Creative Entrepreneurs
who like culturally rich and interesting “places”
Hastings County – 20% increase in Creative/Arts Jobs 2006-2011
Creative Workers typically earn $20,000 more on average & bring
spending power in a community (see Canada’s Creative Corridor report, 2009)
Stats Canada indicates 360,000 manufacturing jobs were lost
between 2006 & 2010. But we gained 200,000 Creative jobs
Various reports indicate cultural tourists stay longer
Why a Cultural Plan?
5. 55
89% believe that if their community lost its arts activities, people
living there would lose something of value
81% of Ontarians agree that government should spend public
dollars to support the arts
95% of Ontarians say that the arts enrich the quality of their lives
Source: Environics Research Group, The Arts and the Quality of Life-the attitudes of
Ontarians, (March, 2010)p 28.
Why support a Cultural Plan?
6. 66
• While a high level of cultural activity exists across our region,
much of it is supported by volunteers
• Volunteerism is a positive sign, however, an aging population
and diminishing volunteer base leaves many organizations
vulnerable – lack of facilities and financial support also
Why support a Cultural Plan?
7. 77
• As of June 2011, 303 creative cultural industries identified
across the Hastings, Belleville & Quinte West region
• This includes jobs in – Culture Support Services, Advertising,
Design, Motion Picture and Video, Publishing and Independent
Artists, Writers and Performers
• In Hastings/Quinte At least 68 cultural heritage
sites/organizations exist, over 60 festivals and events, and
over 40 natural heritage attractions
Why support a Cultural Plan?
9. 99
Doesn’t “have to be” financial, although welcome
Could be in-kind through support of staff, equipment, meeting
space, promotions, municipal infrastructure improvements
(e.g. downtown & heritage property improvements)
Municipalities who adopt cultural economic development have
observed an increased success in arts and culture activities (see
Alberta Foundation for the Arts, 2004)
Doesn’t always have to be monetary benefit - Community
strength also closely tied to a sense of community identity; one
rooted in the natural environment, local heritage, history and
culture
Role of municipal government?
10. 1010
• Canadian cultural sector generated approx. $25 billion in taxes
for all levels of govt. in 2007 – more than three times higher than
governments’ direct spending on culture in 2007 (Hill strategies
Research calculation)
• 1.1 million jobs (7.1% of total employment in Canada)
• Arts/Culture cornerstones of the creative, knowledge-based
economy
• For every $1 invested by City of Toronto in their Cultural Plan,
there are $17 in spinoffs from other levels of government, private
sector and philanthropic support (Cited by Cultural Plan expert and
consultant Dr. Greg Baeker)
Economic Impacts of Culture
11. 1111
• Goal 1: Foster Regional Cultural Collaboration
- Regional Roundtable
- Sustain regional cultural mapping
• Goal 2: Grow Culture-Driven Economic Development
- Cultural Tourism / Festivals & events Strategy
- Shared spaces for artists
• Goal 3: Celebrate the Region’s Rich History and
Heritage
- Cultural heritage landscape study
- Storytelling
• Goal 4: Build a Strong and Collaborative Cultural Sector
- Better communications; social networking
This is a multi-year plan