The Arts and Culture Sector in Major Canadian Census Metropolitan Areas: Is its Workforce as Diverse as the Population it Serves?

Abstract

This research paper studies the workforce diversity in the arts and culture sector in the four largest Canadian Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) in 2011, namely Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa-Gatineau. It uses the National Household Survey (NHS) 2011 to examine the degree to which cultural occupations are inclusive of females, immigrants, visible minorities, and Aboriginals. The analysis shows that the cultural labour force in all four CMAs is not as diverse as the population it serves and all of these four designated groups are poorly remunerated compared to their counterparts. Although all levels of government have adopted many initiatives to respond to this situation, the literature shows that many issues still exist in the current cultural funding policies and cultural planning. Based on the findings of this study, a set of recommendations is proposed in order to equip policymakers to act and to improve the situation. Lastly, the paper emphasizes that diversity does not automatically transfer into success. Managing diversity - how we value and promote diversity - is key to enjoying its invaluable benefits. However, increasing representation of these disadvantaged groups is the first important step, which is a prerequisite for any further improvement.