Arts Stats 2016, a public survey commissioned by Toronto Arts Foundation and conducted by Leger, reveals that for the third year running there are high levels of support for the arts in Toronto.
Arts make a difference in the community but also benefits individuals. 91% of Torontonians see a benefit of the arts to them personally. “The arts have encouraged my confidence, creativity and self-expression,” stated one of the survey participants.
Not only do Torontonians enjoy the arts, 71% say the arts reflect the diversity of our city. This year the public survey added a new focus, the importance of arts in neighbourhoods and outdoor settings. 87% of Torontonians see the arts as a way to connect with neighbours, engage young people, and create a stronger sense of community. In addition, 94% like the idea of art in public spaces and 84% have encountered art at festivals, in parks, outdoor art exhibits, and have seen mural projects.
Dave Scholz, Managing Partner of Leger commented: “This study recognizes the value that Torontonians place on the arts. Leger is proud to partner with the Toronto Arts Foundation to help highlight this aspect of Toronto life.”
Arts Stats 2016 will be launched along with an update of Toronto Arts Facts 2016, a roll up of information about arts in Toronto. Toronto Arts Facts presents information such as: Toronto’s arts and culture sector contributes $11.3 billion to Ontario’s GDP; 174,000 Torontonians work in the culture sector; and 4 times more tourists come to Toronto for culture than for sports.
Together these companion booklets offer the reader a fuller picture of arts impact in Toronto. Toronto Arts Foundation Research Manager, Margo Charlton, noted: “The numbers tell us that the arts have a positive influence on people and are an important part of what makes Toronto a dynamic place to live.”
The Leger survey of 503 Toronto residents was completed online in January 2016 using Leger’s online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 4.4%, 19 times out of 20.
See http://www.torontoartsfoundation.org/knowledge/toronto-arts-stats