This environmental scan found strong evidence of the individual, social, and economic benefits of culture. It also found that in Ontario, as elsewhere, the culture sector is faced with challenges and is responding by seizing new opportunities.

Globalization, economic constraints, the digital transformation, and demographic shifts are the major forces changing the way people produce, experience, and access culture around the world. These forces apply to each of the four sectors examined in this scan: the arts, cultural industries, public libraries, and cultural heritage.

The increasingly borderless world presents significant opportunities, particularly for the arts and cultural industries, related to export expansion, discoverability by new audiences, and access to global financing. Globalization also increases competition, and drives a need for new skills and innovative approaches.

The economic climate, global and domestic, has created a shift toward public and private sector fiscal restraint. All culture sectors are considering how to do more with less to meet demand, establish new programs, and build or repair infrastructure. Infrastructure needs are particularly acute for place-based cultural resources, such as museums, galleries, built heritage, and public libraries. Co-location of two or more resources is a significant trend in responding to these needs.

Digital transformation has increased access to culture with a flood of cultural products and a growing array of devices and platforms for experiencing them. The ability to meet digital infrastructure needs and acquire the skills to keep pace with change is a central preoccupation in all culture sectors.

Ontario’s population is becoming more diverse, older, and more urban, further changing the way culture is produced and consumed. The culture sector is responding to appeal to and meet the needs of more diverse audiences and reflect their perspectives. In the global market for cultural products, Ontario’s rich diversity is a competitive advantage.

Ontario is not alone in developing a culture strategy to respond to global forces and trends. This scan provides examples of programs, policies, and strategies other jurisdictions have implemented. Recognizing the social and economic benefits of culture, many jurisdictions have formulated strategies to maximize its positive impact. Common threads in these strategies are fostering innovation through culture, improving access to international markets, leveraging digital technologies, investing in culture sector workers, strengthening local communities, and reflecting diverse voices while improving access to culture for everyone.

The authors hope that this scan will prove useful in the development of Ontario’s first culture strategy.