Richmond Complete Arts and Culture Study

The City of Richmond hired a consultant to conduct an arts and culture community map. The $20,000 project, funded by Creative Communities, also included an economic impact study of Richmond’s arts and cultural community. A cultural map questionnaire was made available on the City’s website, with printed copies at various community locations. One hundred and eighty-seven people responded. The City sent the economic impact survey to 251 firms whose business is directly related or dependent upon arts and culture. They received 135 responses. Three group sessions provided further clarity of arts and cultural issues specific to Richmond, complemented by interviews with 12 of the city’s largest arts and heritage organizations.

Through this process, the City received a snapshot of its strengths and weaknesses, along with opportunities for growth. The project revealed three areas of focus: facilities, funding, and familiarity, that is the need to increase communication amongst arts organizations and with the public. The Economic Impact Study revealed that the arts and culture sector is a major economic generator in the community. The City has since used this to garner support for the arts from the business community and local politicians.

Creative Communities assists local governments to take stock of their cultural assets and identify strengths and challenges in their local arts and cultural sector. The program also guides governments through community consultations to determine how and where to expand local arts and cultural programs and projects. The program is supported by the Province of British Columbia.