ARTS AND CULTURE

If Toronto made the same investment in arts and culture as other big cities in Canada, what economic and social impact would it have?

Toronto experienced 14% growth in net cultural investment between 2006 and 2009. Toronto is in last place compared to other Canadian cities (Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver averaged 85%):

The 2012 City budget of $16.3 million in grant funding to cultural organizations was unchanged from 2011 and 2010.

A thriving cultural sector is not only good for the economy, but fosters greater citizen engagement and sense of belonging, higher levels of giving and volunteering, and improved health.

Toronto’s film, television and commercial production rebounded in 2011, close to the peak of 2001:

The city’s thriving film, TV and digital media sector earned more than $1.13 billion from on-location shooting in Toronto in 2011.

Toronto has the largest neighbourhood-based library system in the world. Its 99 branches welcomed 19 million visitors in 2011:

Circulation increased by 2.9% over 2010, to 33,252,235 (the highest in North America).

Visits increased by almost 4% to 19,064,857 (about 7 visits per capita).

Program attendance was up by 9.4%.

Youth programming increased by 37% between 2008 and 2011, and youth attendance was 51% higher in 2011, than in 2008.

The number of adults gaining crucial literacy skills through Toronto Public Library adult literacy programs was up 42% between 2008 and 2011.

The cost per use of library services dropped to $1.71 in 2010 (from $1.74 in 2009) due to increased usage and more efficient service without reducing hours (self-service check-out is now available in 42 branches). In 2011, more than 18.2 million people attended City-funded or City-programmed cultural events.