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edmonton's artistic hub and creative catalyst

why the arts matter now

The EAC is asking you to join the conversation and share your story about the arts.

Research shows that:

  • The arts are crucial to both community impact and economic impact - arts organizations generate over $171 million dollars of economic activity annually in Edmonton, and 80% of Edmontonians say that arts are important to quality of life.
  • Arts organizations create cultural infrastructure and civic pride - 85% of Edmontonians agree that participating in arts and cultural activities builds a shared sense of community identity, and 87% say arts and culture make their communities better places to live.
  • The arts positively impact our well-being. According to the World Health Organization, the arts play a major role in preventing, managing, and treating illnesses.
  • Despite that, funding for the arts in Edmonton has not changed since 2018, and 82% of Edmontonians reported facing barriers in accessing the arts and culture.
Share your arts story

On May 5, we heard insights from Mayor Knack, our CEO Renee Williams and Fringe ED Megan Dart at a panel discussion on why the arts matter now in Edmonton and the future of arts funding in our city. Throughout the discussion, Mayor Andrew Knack highlighted the importance of hearing directly from Edmontonians about why the arts matter to them. 

Ways to take action

More than ​“nice to have”

In a world that is increasingly in tumult, and as many organizations abandon their commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion, it is crucial to reaffirm the role of the arts and culture as vital public goods.

EAC’s Economic Impact Report

  • Using data from 183 organizations funded by the EAC, our 2025 economic impact analysis shows that arts and festival organizations funded by the EAC generate over $171 million dollars of economic activity annually in Edmonton. 
  • Not only that, but these arts organizations also create over 1,400 local jobs each year and mobilize thousands of volunteers in local communities. (Download our economic impact one-pager)

2026 Public Survey Highlights

  • 85% of Edmontonians attended at least one type of live performance or arts event in Edmonton in the past 12 months (no change since 2024) 
  • 58% of Edmontonians attended one or more arts or cultural festival in Edmonton in the past year (no change since 2024). 44% of Edmontonians feel they have some connection to the arts in Edmonton.
  • 83% of Edmontonians agree that participating in arts and cultural activities builds a shared sense of community identity. 
  • 69% (an 8% increase from 2024) agree that a thriving arts and culture scene is something they would watch for when considering moving to a new community. (Read more from EAC’s multi-year survey project)