Arts and artists
Culture is one of Ontario's fastest growing sectors. The arts play an important role in fostering vibrant, liveable communities and building a strong, competitive economy. In Ontario, the arts:
- Enhance quality of life with vital cultural experiences
- Build great communities through cultural infrastructure and urban revitalization
- Inspire Ontarians of all ages and backgrounds
- Contribute to the province's knowledge economy.
The Ontario Government recognizes artists through:
- The Status of Ontario's Artists Act 2007
- Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts
- Attraction agencies of this ministry such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, Science North, McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Royal Botanical Gardens.
Statistics on the arts
- Ontario is home to close to 58,000 practising artists.
- In 2014-2015, Ontario Arts Council funded 1,681 individual artists and 1,125 organizations in 216 communities across Ontario.
- 60% of Ontarians attend professional music concerts at least once a year, 55% attend professional stage plays or musicals, and 51% visit art museums or art galleries.
