Arts and Recreation Economy

In 2016, 1% of residents in Ottawa worked in artist occupations. Artist has been defined using the Department of Canadian Heritage’s approach and includes producers, directors, choreographers, musicians, dancers, actors, comedians and visual artists. Percentages do not include employment in supporting activities such as event and venue management, fundraising, etc.

In Ottawa, artists make up a smaller percentage of employed residents than in Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal. On the other hand, the 2016 average income of Ottawa artists, at about $57,000, was higher than in the other five large Canadian cities.

It is important to note that these values are for individuals who selected artist occupation as their primary form of employment. Individuals who work as artists as a secondary occupation are not included in this calculation.

In 2016, the average income for those employed in arts, entertainment and recreation in Ottawa-Gatineau was $29,000. This category includes performing arts, heritage institutions, spectator sports, and amusement, gambling and recreation industries. Unlike employees in artist occupations, it is important to understand that industries includes individuals whose jobs may not be artists or athletes, but anyone working in that industry – such as a box office agent at a stadium.

In 2016, close to 30,700 residents were employed in these areas. This is about 5% of Ottawa’s working population.

Ottawa’s culture GDP was estimated to be $3.4 billion in 2016. Culture GDP includes the value of the production of cultural goods and services only, not associated activities. When the sports sector is included, the number grows to nearly $4 billion.

With respect to Ottawa's arts, culture and recreation jobs, it is interesting to note the relatively high proportion -- almost one quarter -- that are located in the rural areas of the city. In fact, this sector accounts for over 10% of rural jobs.

With respect to revenues of artists and arts organizations funded by the City of Ottawa, actual numbers tracked between 2006 and 2010 range from $6.28 to $11.70 per dollar from the City. Examples of other revenue sources include ticket sales, sponsorship dollars and funding from various levels of government.