“Toronto thrives when our creative sector is well supported; we depend on our artists to make our city livable and enhance our quality of life.” ―Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow 

 
A robust and accessible arts ecosystem has a measurable and significant impact on local communities, and on the country as a whole. 
 

Art Moves Toronto’s Economy 
The arts contribute approximately $60 billion to Canada’s GDP every year and support more than 270,000 jobs in Ontario alone.  

Our city is an important economic hub for the industry: Toronto is home to 40% of Canada’s artists and arts workers. And that’s a huge benefit: for every dollar granted by Toronto Arts, the city sees $15 dollars in returns to the local economy. 

And yet, 74% of individual artists and 53% of arts organizations in Toronto reported unstable financial situations in 2024.  

Considering the many returns of the arts, it’s crucial we contribute to the arts in return. 

“The arts are often seen as a ‘nice to have’ in policy making, rather than cornerstones of Canadian thought and development, and seldom as the major economic drivers they are.” ―Tim Jennings, The Globe and Mail 

 
Art Moves Wellbeing 

In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences mental health challenges. By the age of 40, 1 in 2 have or have had a mental illness. 

Toronto Arts knows that involvement in the arts, as a creator or as a participant, makes a meaningful impact on mental and physical wellness. A 2024 literature review conducted by the World Health Organization, UK government and Frontier Economics shows that frequent engagement in arts and culture increases the self-esteem of children, improves the mental health of young adults, raises the general health of adults, and decreases dementia and frailty in older adults.


Art Moves Equity 

Just 26% of arts funders in Canada have funding programs targeted towards specific communities, including Black, Indigenous, disabled, and Newcomer artists.  

That’s why Toronto Arts provides grants and support, such as the Black Arts Projects Program and Accessibility Grants, aimed at including everyone in the Toronto arts community. 


Art Moves Joy 

At Toronto Arts–supported events throughout the city, we hear first-hand how the presence of low-cost and free arts and culture programs improve our community’s quality of life.  

“I believe in art because… it connects human beings through the soul. It’s a universal language. It moves you and lifts you.”  
“I believe in art because… it changes how people view the world. It allows for people to express their thoughts and feelings. Art spreads love.”  
“I believe in art because…  it makes the human experience into magic!”  

―Statements from Arts in the Parks 2024 attendees 

To read more stories like this, check out our 2024 Annual Report.