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2 2 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

3 3 What is Culture?

4 4 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 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 & But we gained 200,000 Creative jobs Various reports indicate cultural tourists stay longer Why a Cultural Plan?

5 5 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?

6 6 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?

7 7 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?

8 8 Employment increase in cultural related jobs

9 9 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?

10 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

11 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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