Logo created by Tom Collver
Presented by the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council
In 2018, a coalition of artists and organizations formed Kawartha ArtsVote to bring awareness to the cultural sector in advance of the municipal election.
In the lead up to the 2018 municipal election we worked with the Kawartha Lakes Heritage Network and shone the light on the cultural sector once again. We wanted to elect candidates who support the cultural sector and who believe that long-term investment in the culture of Kawartha Lakes is vital to our economic and social growth. We created an opportunity for electoral candidates to express their commitment to a platform on arts and culture because we wanted to empower voters to make an informed decision when voting.
We advocated for solutions based on current issues facing the cultural sector. We asked all of the candidates seeking office to respond with their answers and support. Responses from candidates and community members have been posted below.
Change is up to you — educate yourself
In 2014, Ontario’s cultural sector contributed 301,933 jobs as well as $27.7 billion in direct economic impact, or 4.1% of the province’s GDP. This also represents 45% of the total cultural GDP in Canada.
Desjardins, E. (2016). Provincial and Territorial Culture Indicators, 2010 to 2014. Statistics Canada.
Forty-three percent of Canada’s artists live in Ontario.
Hill Strategies Research Inc., “Artists and Cultural Workers in Canada’s Provinces and Territories,” (October 22, 2014)
80% of Ontarians agree that an active local arts scene helps communities attract business.
Impressions of the Impact of the Arts on Quality of Life and Well-Being in Ontario: Ontario Arts Council Survey Findings, by Nanos Research for the Ontario Arts Council, March 2017.
90% of Ontarians agree that an active local arts scene helps make a community a better place to live.
Impressions of the Impact of the Arts on Quality of Life and Well-Being in Ontario: Ontario Arts Council Survey Findings, by Nanos Research for the Ontario Arts Council, March 2017.
Spending on live performing arts was $1.4 billion which was more than double spending on live sports events ($650 million).
Survey of Household Spending, 2008
The average Ontario arts and culture tourist spends twice as much per trip as does a typical tourist – $667 per trip versus $374, and stays one night longer.
Ontario Arts and Culture Tourism Profile, by Research Resolutions & Consulting Ltd. for Ontario Arts Council, November 2012.
Issues We Asked About
We are committed to taking a constructive lead on issues that matter most to the cultural sector in Kawartha Lakes. Below, we outlined practical solutions to current challenges facing the cultural sector and advocated for our electoral candidates to support and adopt them. We also asked our community to share their thoughts on arts and culture and what they would like to see happen.
SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY
Where does the money come from?
OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Who manages the sector?
BUILDING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
What can our future look like?