Victoria, BC–The 2018 Arts & Culture Progress Report, published today by the Capital Regional District (CRD) Arts Commission, highlights how arts organizations are emerging as leaders in improving quality of life in the region and building local economic development. The report offers a comprehensive look at progress made since completing the Building our Arts Future strategic plan in 2016.
“Many people in our region already understand the positive value of our arts sector and this first Arts & Culture report gives us clear data to back that understanding up,” says Jeremy Loveday, Chair of the CRD Arts Commission. “The report shares how the 83 not-for-profit organizations we funded last year are leaders in fostering inclusion and belonging in addition to offering rich artistic experiences and jobs for artists.”
Highlights include:
- Every dollar invested by the CRD in arts generates an additional local return of $10.60.
- Operating grants supported 3579 jobs including full-time, part-time and temporary positions.
- The region as a whole accounts for 9.5% of the total culture GDP in BC and 8.3% of the BC population. (STATISTICS CANADA, 2016)
- 23% of the public in the capital region report volunteering in the arts – the provincial average is 5%. (CRD ARTS SERVICE GENERAL POPULATION SURVEY, 2016 / HILL STRATEGIES, 2013)
- 72% of organizations that received a CRD arts grant premiered new, local work.
The report also outlines some areas for improvement. Demand for funding exceeds available resources. For example, in 2018 the Equity Grant program had an overwhelming response. The success rate was 53% despite most applicants meeting the minimum eligibility requirements. “Encouraging all jurisdictions in the region to fully participate in the Arts & Culture Support Service would have a positive impact and continues to be a priority,” says Loveday.
Saanich, Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Highlands, Metchosin, Sooke and the Southern Gulf Islands participate in the CRD Arts & Culture Support Service. For more information, please visit www.crd.bc.ca/arts.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jeremy Loveday, Chair
CRD Arts Commission
Tel. 250.634.2327
jloveday@victoria.ca
James Lam, Manager
CRD Arts & Culture
Tel. 250.360.3205
jlam@crd.bc.ca