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Arts, Culture, and Heritage Sector of Windsor-Essex Widely known as an automotive manufacturing hub and a border region,...

Arts, Culture, and Heritage Sector of Windsor-Essex

Widely known as an automotive manufacturing hub and a border region, Windsor-Essex’s art scene is inclusive of a variety of artistic disciplines and organizations represented by the talent and dedication of its diverse community. Arts and culture create communities that thrive along with preserving its historical significance and forming a unique identity as an industrious prolific city. Through continued support, the ACWR is able to keep its commitment of providing valuable services and programs to the community that increases accessibility for the arts, cultivate skills, and create opportunities for professional development.

Why the Arts Matter: A Social Necessity 

Source: Ontario Arts Council

 

  Investing in the Arts: What is the Ripple Effect? 

It’s no secret that arts activities can be fun, inspiring, thought-provoking and illuminating. But perhaps not as well-known are the incredible ripple effects that result from the work of Ontario’s professional artists and arts organizations. We’re talking about things like:

  • Economic benefits – like funding new works that go on to earn a significant return on our initial investment.
  • Attracting tourists – and research shows that when travellers come to experience Ontario’s vibrant arts scene, they stay longer and spend more than the average tourist.
  • Creating jobs today – not just in the arts sector, but other sectors that benefit from arts activity.
  • Training for the jobs of tomorrow – providing youth with opportunities to learn key skills and launch their careers.
  • Offering safe, empowering spaces for vulnerable and marginalized people to feel valued, included and able to achieve their goals.
  • Giving you the chance to tell your story – because, whether you’re a lifelong resident of rural Ontario, a new immigrant to suburban Toronto, or an Indigenous knowledge-carrier – your personal history and experiences matter.

 

Connect with the Ontario Arts Council for more information.
Visit CARFAC Ontario for information regarding the August 2020 brief submitted to the House of Commons Standing Committee calling to support the arts as a key economic driver in the COVID-19 Recovery.

Municipal Benchmark for Service Area: Culture

 

“Culture Services is the municipal investment in local artists, culture and heritage organizations. Culture Services enriches the quality of life, generates considerable benefits and greatly contributes to a community’s ability to build wealth through innovation and creativity.”

Source: Municipal Benchmark  

According to the 2018 Municipal Benchmarking Network Canada report, revealing eight cities spending on culture, specific to artist grants. Please see the updated document from 2019.

Culture-2019

 

Why the Arts Matter: An Economic Case

  • Arts and Return of Investment

    Statistics Canada's release of the Provincial and Territorial Culture Indicators, 2010 to 2016 provides insight into the economic contribution of arts and culture in Ontario and across Canada.

    “Arts and culture products represent $25.7 billion or 3.5% of the province’s gross domestic product (GDP) and over 269,000 jobs. This “product perspective” includes the contribution of culture products (goods and services) produced in both culture industries and non-culture industries.” (Statistics Canada. CANSIM Tables 384-0037 and 379-0028)

    The return of investment in the arts for Ontario and the essential value that it brings to the community:

    Ontario's Return of Investment in the Arts

    For more information: Ontario Arts Council

The Arts in Windsor-Essex from Statistics Canada

  • Occupational Workforce for Windsor Metropolitan Area (NOC)
    2006 Census

    Source: 2006 Windsor Census Metropolitan Area

    2011 Census

    Source: 2011 Windsor Census Metropolitan Area

    2016 Census

    Source: 2016 Windsor Census Metropolitan Area

    Comprehensive Trend of Occupations in Arts; Culture; Recreation and Sport

    The National Occupational Classification (NOC) provides a standard taxonomy and framework for occupational information in Canada. Most recently, Arts; Culture; Recreation and Sport comprises approximately 2% of Windsor-Essex’s occupational labour force within the National Occupational Classification. The statistics show that the occupations in the arts for the Windsor Metropolitan Area is an improving, increasing trend. Although there was a major decrease between 2006 and 2011, the number of workers have recovered and increased in 2016 and has even surpassed the levels in 2006. Additionally, there were more male workers in 2006 but after a span of a decade, females have now outnumbered males in 2016.

  • Labour Force of Windsor Metropolitan Area (NAICS)

    North American Industry Classification System 2007

    North American Industry Classification System 2012

    The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) represents a continuing cooperative effort among Statistics Canada, Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), and the Economic Classification Policy Committee (ECPC) of the United States, acting on behalf of the Office of Management and Budget, to create and maintain a common industry classification system. 

    Within NAICS, Arts, entertainment, and recreation constitute 3% of Windsor Metropolitan Area’s labour force. Between 2007 to 2012, the arts have decreased by approximately 24%. The NAICS 2017 will be available in the 2020 Census to reveal if it will have the same trend as NOC—an improving, increasing trend.

The Windsor- Essex Vital Signs Report 2022

Arts Council Windsor & Region