Arts & Culture

The cultural sector is a key driver of economic growth. The sector also contributes to the quality of life in communities across the country, and to Canada’s international presence. Arts and culture in all forms bring people together to create, express, and share visions and ideas.

In the evolving creative economy, the cultural sector creates jobs, attracts businesses, nurtures innovation, and distinguishes Canada on the world stage. It embraces new technologies and thrives on globalization, contributing to individual, community and national development.

Working in Arts & Culture

Cultural workers include all those who work in the “creative chain” which encompasses creation, production, manufacturing, distribution and conservation. They can be artists, technicians, managers and/or producers.

Cultural workers are employed in large, medium and small businesses and organizations. Many are self-employed. They are recognized by their passion for their art form which makes them willing to deal with often unpredictable income, frequent long hours, and demanding timelines.

The sector has occupations in:  

• Live performing arts: actors, dancers, opera singers, circus artists, scriptwriters, choreographers, stage mangers, lighting technicians, etc.  
• Writing and publishing: writers, copy editors, proofreaders, publishers, etc.
• Visual arts and crafts: painters, weavers, sculptors, art dealers, photographers, etc.
• Film, television and broadcasting: filmmakers, broadcasters, make-up artists, costume designers, props handlers, etc.
• Digital media: distance education specialists, website designers, game developers, etc.
• Music and sound recording: composers, musicians, booking agents, etc.
• Heritage: museum curators, librarians, archivists, conservationists, etc.
• Cultural management: human resource managers, arts administrators, fundraisers, etc.

Career paths in the sector are often unique. Success depends on talent, motivation, interpersonal skills, and business and promotional ability.

The sector attracts people from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. Specialized training is available in many cultural areas at universities, colleges, and private institutions. Business skills are useful generally in the sector and particularly for the self employed.  

Increasingly, cultural workers need the ability to work with technology in all areas.