Arts an Important Part of Life for Ontarians, Says Study

A study commissioned by the Ontario Arts Council shows that the arts play a part in the lives of virtually all Ontarians.
Arts an Important Part of Life for Ontarians, Says Study
Ontarians place more importance on attending live events than participating in media-based arts such as listening to music on the radio or reading books, according to a study commissioned by the Ontario Arts Council. (Kristina Skorbach/The Epoch Times)
10/19/2011
Updated:
10/1/2015

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Ontarians place more importance on attending live events than participating in media-based arts such as listening to music on the radio or reading books, according to a study commissioned by the Ontario Arts Council.  (Kristina Skorbach/The Epoch Times)

A study commissioned by the Ontario Arts Council shows that the arts play a part in the lives of virtually all Ontarians.

According to the study, the depth and type of the involvement have great variety, with 98 percent of Ontarians engaging at least once a year in music activities; 98 percent involved in visual arts, crafts, or film activities; and 64 percent participating in theatre activities at least once annually.

“The results show that the arts are an important part of Ontarians’ lives. Their engagement in the arts is multi-faceted and widespread,” Kathryn Townshend, director of research, policy, and evaluation at the Ontario Arts Council, said in an e-mail.

Close to half of Ontarians dance socially at least once a year, over one third take photographs with artistic intentions, and one quarter paint or make other original art, according to the study.

The study also shows that while “media-based” participation, such as listening to music on the radio or reading books for enjoyment, is more widespread, people attach more importance to attending live events. Over half of Ontarians attend professional music concerts, stage plays, and art museums or galleries at least once a year.

Besides exploring settings and the importance of arts activities participation, the study also focused on the relationship between personal arts practice and attendance as well as patterns of engagement among different demographic groups.

“The study is unique because it looks at the full spectrum of arts activities from traditional audience-based activities (such as attending performing arts events or visiting an art gallery) to personal practice activities (such as playing a musical instrument, painting, or taking dance lessons),” said Townshend.

“[It] includes arts participation via electronic, print, and digital media (such as radio, television, or the Internet).”

Townshend says the findings also show that the arts play a key role in “social bridging and bonding” and allowing for a forum to learn and share cultural heritage.

According to the study, arts engagement is generally higher between Ontarians of colour, and those who have an interest in their own cultural heritage or learning about others’ heritage had higher levels of participation.

The study was conducted by the WolfBrown research firm and data collection was done by Ipsos Reid in May and June. The results of the sample are accurate within +/- 2.7 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.