This document summarizes the key points of a regional cultural plan for Ontario. It was developed through consultation with over 340 people and incorporates findings from a previous cultural plan. The plan aims to foster regional cultural collaboration, grow culture-driven economic development through tourism and creative jobs, celebrate the region's history and heritage, and build a strong cultural sector. The cultural plan is supported by evidence that culture enriches communities, drives local economies, and improves quality of life.

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• First regional cultural plan in Ontario
• More than 340 people consulted
• Incorporated findings from North Hastings Cultural Plan
Report
• Funding received from the Cities of Belleville & Quinte
West, Hastings County, the Province and the North &
Central Hastings Community Futures Development
Corporation

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What is Culture?

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Priority in Hastings County Economic Development Action Plan &
other Plans
Enhancing “Place” attracts Lone Eagles & Creative Entrepreneurs
who like culturally rich and interesting “places”
Hastings County – 20% increase in Creative/Arts Jobs 2006-2011
Creative Workers typically earn $20,000 more on average & bring
spending power in a community (see Canada’s Creative Corridor report, 2009)
Stats Canada indicates 360,000 manufacturing jobs were lost
between 2006 & 2010. But we gained 200,000 Creative jobs
Various reports indicate cultural tourists stay longer
Why a Cultural Plan?

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89% believe that if their community lost its arts activities, people
living there would lose something of value
81% of Ontarians agree that government should spend public
dollars to support the arts
95% of Ontarians say that the arts enrich the quality of their lives
Source: Environics Research Group, The Arts and the Quality of Life-the attitudes of
Ontarians, (March, 2010)p 28.
Why support a Cultural Plan?

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• While a high level of cultural activity exists across our region,
much of it is supported by volunteers
• Volunteerism is a positive sign, however, an aging population
and diminishing volunteer base leaves many organizations
vulnerable – lack of facilities and financial support also
Why support a Cultural Plan?

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• As of June 2011, 303 creative cultural industries identified
across the Hastings, Belleville & Quinte West region
• This includes jobs in – Culture Support Services, Advertising,
Design, Motion Picture and Video, Publishing and Independent
Artists, Writers and Performers
• In Hastings/Quinte At least 68 cultural heritage
sites/organizations exist, over 60 festivals and events, and
over 40 natural heritage attractions
Why support a Cultural Plan?

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Employment increase in cultural related jobs
2006-2011

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Doesn’t “have to be” financial, although welcome
Could be in-kind through support of staff, equipment, meeting
space, promotions, municipal infrastructure improvements
(e.g. downtown & heritage property improvements)
Municipalities who adopt cultural economic development have
observed an increased success in arts and culture activities (see
Alberta Foundation for the Arts, 2004)
Doesn’t always have to be monetary benefit - Community
strength also closely tied to a sense of community identity; one
rooted in the natural environment, local heritage, history and
culture
Role of municipal government?

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• Canadian cultural sector generated approx. $25 billion in taxes
for all levels of govt. in 2007 – more than three times higher than
governments’ direct spending on culture in 2007 (Hill strategies
Research calculation)
• 1.1 million jobs (7.1% of total employment in Canada)
• Arts/Culture cornerstones of the creative, knowledge-based
economy
• For every $1 invested by City of Toronto in their Cultural Plan,
there are $17 in spinoffs from other levels of government, private
sector and philanthropic support (Cited by Cultural Plan expert and
consultant Dr. Greg Baeker)
Economic Impacts of Culture

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• Goal 1: Foster Regional Cultural Collaboration
- Regional Roundtable
- Sustain regional cultural mapping
• Goal 2: Grow Culture-Driven Economic Development
- Cultural Tourism / Festivals & events Strategy
- Shared spaces for artists
• Goal 3: Celebrate the Region’s Rich History and
Heritage
- Cultural heritage landscape study
- Storytelling
• Goal 4: Build a Strong and Collaborative Cultural Sector
- Better communications; social networking
This is a multi-year plan

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Download the Plan and keep informed at
www.hastingsculturalplan.com
Stay informed