Toronto Arts Stats 2018: A public survey of the arts

Art Stats 2018 asks Torontonians why the arts matter. This report brings together results from a public opinion poll, showing that most Torontonians are optimistic about their city and believe the arts add to their quality of life.

In 2013, Toronto Arts Foundation and Leger began a partnership to explore public opinion about the arts. What has emerged in the last five years is a better understanding of the deep appreciation Torontonians have for the arts. 

Art Stats 2018 shows us that most Torontonians are optimistic about their city and believe the arts add to their quality of life. While they may be concerned about transit and housing and many worry about taxes and crime, almost all Toronto residents recognize the value of living in a city that supports the arts. The arts matter to
Torontonians.

From neighbourhood galleries, to vibrant street festivals, arts in the parks and concerts downtown – Torontonians are drawn to the arts and the way in which they connect us to each other and inspire our communities. Torontonians support the arts because they make our city unique, reflect our diversity, and engage us with new ideas. As we approach another municipal election, arts supporters will be looking to their mayoral and city council candidates to stand up for the arts.

We hope that our fourth Arts Stats booklet helps generate discussion about the many ways Torontonians are connected to and care about the arts.

For information on how to use Arts Stats 2018, download the TOOLKIT

Acknowledgements
Arts Stats 2018 is a publication of Toronto Arts Foundation compiled by Margo Charlton (Toronto Arts Foundation) and Patrick Ryan (Leger). Our gratitude to Dave Scholz, Executive Vice-President at Leger for his continued support of arts impact research.

Previous Arts Stats Publications

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  Arts Stats 2017 

  Toronto Arts Stats 2017 asks questions about generosity and the arts. What motivates Torontonians to give their volunteer time, or money, to the arts?

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  Toronto Arts Stats 2016 

  Toronto Arts Stats 2016 reveals public opinion about the arts including how Torontonians see the arts as a way to attract tourists, improve the economy, create employment and make the city more beautiful. 96% of Torontonians see at least one benefit of the arts to the City of Toronto.

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  Toronto Arts Stats 2015 

  Torontonians see the arts as having a positive influence in the neighbourhoods they live in, their individual lives and the city they call home. Starting in 2013, Toronto Arts Foundation and Leger have developed a partnership to explore public opinion about the arts.