Arts, culture and heritage – connections with other sectors:
“The cultural sector does not exist on its own, but acts in partnership with economic, social, and ecological sectors. Niagara Region’s Sustainable Niagara plan states there are 4 pillars of sustainability that do not exist alone, but act in partnership in Niagara: the economic, social, ecological and cultural pillars of sustainability.
[pull_quote align=”right”]Culture, Learning and Social Development: In 2060 Niagara will be an inclusive, engaged community that values culture, learning and social development. Source: Sustainable Niagara[/pull_quote]“The arts are an integral part of Niagara’s social fabric, creating jobs, diversifying local economies and strengthening community spirit and pride. Arts and culture involve unique partnerships and sponsorships that bring together businesses, government, artists, performers, crafts people and the public” Hills Strategies states there are relationships between engaging in the 4 cultural activities of: reading books, attending live performances, visiting galleries and attending movies —- and how individuals rate or participate in social indicators of volunteering and donating; neighbourhood connections; sense of belonging; engagement in social activities; labour force participation; and quality of life. Source: www.hillstrategies.com
“A creative economy extends beyond the cultural sector to harness creativity and bring about positive social and economic changes across a broad spectrum of industries, sectors, and social organizations. Leadership is a key to all these areas to getting the most from creativity. To do so, leaders work with the ‘raw materials’ of culture – including imagination, attitudes, habits of thought and actions, work, expectations, talents, and values.” Source: The Conference Board of Canada, 2006.
NOTE: This sector is highly dependent on countless volunteer hours, as well as those spent by professionals.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) awarded 428 local not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Ontario at the close of the 2010-2011 year. The Foundation leverages an estimated average of $2.25 in financial, in-kind and volunteer contributions for every $1 granted. It also announced 51 province-wide grants totalling $6.8 million that has a positive social and economic impact. The Trillium Foundation gave $843,492 or 26% of the total money granted in Niagara for the year 2009-2010 to Arts and Culture.
Emerging Activity: Niagara has been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2012 by the Department of Canadian Heritage for excellence in cultural achievement, integration of culture in every-day life and commitment to building a cultural legacy for the future. A variety of cultural and heritage events are planned, including those marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812, a part of local history that helped to define our nation.
Source: 1812.gc.ca – http://warof1812.gc.ca/eng/1318855022747/1318854999883
