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News-Media Confirms the Value of Culture

Apr 11, 2006
A Gentle Reminder
Culture is something most of us rarely give a second thought to, though it plays a big role in our lives and in the lives of fellow Islanders. Culture is an economic colossus on P.E.I., responsible for more than 2,000 jobs -- jobs that in many cases pay good incomes.

And there's more: according to a recent report commissioned by the City of Charlottetown, P.E.I. Community and Cultural Affairs and P.E.I. Business Development, the major arts, heritage and culture sectors accounted for more than $100 million in gross output. And that's just in 2000.

As long ago as 1994-1995, it was estimated that culture sub-sectors accounted for 2.5 per cent of P.E.I.'s GDP, worth approximately $45 million and more than 1,600 jobs. That and other fascinating information about a major source of economic activity can be found in a document carrying the intimidating title, the Economic Impact of Culture in Prince Edward Island and in the Charlottetown Region.

The study was prepared by The IRIS Group, Wendy MacDonald & Associates and JP Consulting.

Culture is an all encompassing label -- it can mean everything from art galleries and step-dancing performances, to plays, films, novels, poetry, libraries, festivals, photography, architecture, graphic design and sound recording.

Life without culture, for many Canadians, is no life at all.

The culture industry pays the rent for countless Islanders and is constantly evolving to meet the demands of the marketplace.

But it is much more. It is what makes living in a modern society increasingly alienated from human contact, tolerable.

It is something all Canadians want to experience when they spread their wings to travel and live in foreign lands.

It's what draws tourists to the Island, with culture and heritage activities accounting for more than half of the 15 most popular activities mentioned by visitors, according to the study.

And the arts and culture sector are a magnet for volunteers. For instance, a Statistics Canada study conducted six years ago found arts and culture attracted more volunteers than any other sector.

Further, volunteers are estimated to have contributed 300,000 to 400,000 unpaid hours to the sector in 2000.

With Canada's population demanding more educational opportunities, it would seem the future of arts, culture and heritage can only shine brighter.

But whenever difficult funding decisions have to be made, it seems art and culture is always the first to feel the knife.

This study, if it accomplishes little else, should give provincial and municipal budget planners something to think about before they start slicing.

As the saying goes, you may not be able to eat art, but it does feed large numbers of Island families.

- The Journal Pioneer - Prince Edward Island - Canada