‘More important than ever’: Arts and culture sector adds $1.75B to provincial economy

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the National Arts Centre. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa)

Winnipeggers got the chance to learn just how big of a role the arts and culture sector plays in Manitoba’s economy at the Manitoba Arts Council (MAC)’s annual public meeting on Monday.

According to the provincial Crown corporation, which funds public arts, the arts and culture sector in Manitoba generated around $1.75 billion in economic value in 2023—just under three per cent of the province’s GDP—and sustains over 20,000 jobs.

The council said it also sees a ten-time return rate for every $1 it contributes to the sector, according to an economic impact report shared on Monday.

“We want to keep encouraging contributions from both the private and public sector, but also engagement from Manitobans,” said MAC Executive Director Randy Joynt, speaking at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

“We really wanted to take the opportunity to look at the sector from a couple of different perspectives—how it contributes to the economy of Manitoba in such a powerful way, but also how much Manitobans value arts and culture in their communities.”

Joynt said the sector is “more important than ever” due to cultural sovereignty and identity.

Results of an arts value survey conducted by Probe Research and shared at the meeting show 63 per cent of Manitobans polled believe the arts are important to their quality of life. Just over 80 per cent of the 1,500 respondents also agreed it’s vital to support homegrown artists and cultural groups.

“I think it’s always been challenging to be an artist and run an arts and cultural organization, and the folks who do it are incredibly innovative,” Joynt said.

“Volunteerism is really important to the sector, making sure you consider arts and culture when you’re making your charitable donations, and of course, engaging by going to the amazing activity that’s available in our communities.”