INVESTING IN ARTISTS
AS CATALYSTS FOR VIBRANT COMMUNITIES
ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
We are artists, cultural leaders, and researchers reimagining the future of our sector. Rooted in care and co-creation, we bridge silos, pilot bold regional solutions, and illuminate the systemic shifts needed for greater collective prosperity. We envision a world where artists are valued as essential, creativity is accessible to all, and cultural work fuels vibrant, just, and resilient communities.
In today’s rapidly changing world, human creativity is an infinite resource with unlimited possibilities, and the creative sector is fast becoming a top economic driver. A thriving Creative Economy requires a focused team of industry leaders, joining forces to provide structure and support to the sector. From artists to entrepreneurs, remote communities to urban arts organizations, government, funders, and philanthropists, our goal is to unite and empower our sector, and build a resilient, inspiring future for Vancouver Island.
SEE THE DATA
The 2021 Nordicity study unveiled the economic power of Vancouver Island’s arts and culture sector, surpassing the Victoria Cruiseship economy and the Island Dairy Industry with a staggering $900 million impact. Notably, generating 35% more jobs than forestry, it underscores its significant role in employment, while shedding light on its profound influence on tourism, well-being, and community, paving the way for an inclusive Creative Economy.
A THRIVING CREATIVE ECONOMY NEEDS THE RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE + SUPPORTS IN THE RIGHT PLACE
The next wave of the modern Creative Economy is building as we speak. Nations around the globe are racing to fill gaps in infrastructure and business supports, especially for barriered populations in urban and rural areas such as women, Indigenous people and new Canadians. On the ground this means well-situated innovation/creativity hubs, and customized early-stage creative entrepreneurship supports.
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www.creativecoast.ca is a continuation of the digarts.ca project, with funding provided by the Canada Council for the Arts, Digital Strategy Fund. Site design by Clever Jane.
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