Ontario Culture Days is supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario in recognition of Celebrate the Artist Weekend.

What is Culture Days?

• Culture Days is a national collaborative volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.

• The sixth annual Culture Days weekend will take place September 25, 26 and 27, 2015, and will feature thousands of free, hands-on, interactive activities.

The History

• Inspired by Journées de la culture – an annual weekend long celebration of arts and culture in Quebec produced by Culture pour tous for 18 years

• Journées de la culture is an internationally-recognized Canadian model for promoting public participation and engagement in the arts and culture sector.

• Canadian Arts Summit commissioned a feasibility study to assess the viability of launching a similar annual celebration across Canada.

• Culture Days was launched in 2010

How can people get involved?

Anyone in Canada can register an activity at www.culturedays.ca

There are only four requirements:

•Activities must be free

•Activities must take place on the Culture Days weekend

•Activities must be interactive or participatory in some way (very broadly defined)

•Activities must be registered on the Culture Days website

Glassblowing. Photo by City of Kingston

Who Participates in Culture Days?

• Open to the full spectrum of creators (amateur to professional)

• Broad definition of Culture includes heritage, multicultural, culinary arts, etc.

• The quality of engagementis key

• Activities can be as big or as small as you want!

Tini Pel demonstrates Bobbin Lace Making in in Stratford. Photo by Mindy Gough

Ontario Culture Days 2014 Snapshot

• More than half a million Ontarians engaged in arts and culture

• 1671 cultural activities programmed • 1050 different activity organizers participated• Activities in 172 cities and towns • Activities in 106 out of 107 provincial ridings• Ontario represents 55% of national registration • 123 Million media impressions generated• 36 Million marketing impressions leveraged

Yearly Growth of Ontario Culture Days

Since it’s inaugural year Culture Days activities have grown by 84%. Last year’s attendance was estimated at approximately half a million Ontarians.

Registration by Arts Category

Craft was only added as its own category in August 2014; therefore, 2% is likely an under-representation of craft activities within the overall total.

Visual Art35%

Heritage18%

Music10%

Dance9%

Multi/Interdisciplinary7%

Literature and Spoken

Word6%

Craft2%

Theatre2%

Design2%

New/Digital Media

2%

Culinary Arts2%

Film and Video2%

Architecture 1%

Comedy1%

First Nations<1%

*Note: since 64% of activities are registered “on behalf of” someone else, there may be some misrepresentation of the art category by the person doing the registration.

Research Highlights – Public Attendees

Of those who attended Culture Days Activities in Ontario in 2014:

• 96% Were satisfied with the activities they attended

• 89% Said Culture Days is an important event in their community

• 75% Experienced greater pride in their community as a result of participating

• 90% Said that the arts and cultural events in their community make it a much more enjoyable place to live Knitting with Michele Zigman and Beth Abbott,

Kingston Spinners and Weavers at The Grace Centre.Photo by Tim Forbes

Research Highlights – Public Attendees

• 73% Expressed increased understanding of the positive contribution of artists and arts organizations to their community

• 72% Plan to attend more arts and cultural activities in their communities as a result of participating in Culture Days

• 65% Discovered a local artist or arts organization at Culture Days that they had not previously heard of

• 53% Expressed an increased desire to donate to and/or volunteer with arts organizations

• 96% Said they are likely to attend Culture Days activities next year!

Notably, responses to these statements are up an average of 4% from 2013, suggesting that Culture Days is having an incremental positive impact on public engagement and participation in arts and culture.

Blacksmithing demo at Tyrone Mills, Clarington. Photo by S. Reinier deSmit

Research Highlights – Public Attendees

Almost two thirds (63%) report attending previous Culture Days weekends. Attendance has a positive impact beyond the Culture Days weekend, with last year’s attendees reporting a higher level of arts and culture participation throughout the year.

As a result of attending Culture Days last year, have you: Agreed in 2013 Agreed in 2014

Attended more arts and cultural events 52% 57% (+5)

Donated more to arts and or cultural organizations 11% 16 % (+5)

Undertaken more volunteer work with an arts or cultural organization

22% 29% (+7)

Became a fan of/supported an artist or arts or cultural organization

33% 37% (+4)

Visited more art galleries or craft studios 32% 39% (+7)

Bought more art work 11% 15 % (+4)

Took up an art of some kind 14% 18% (+4)

Took classes related to an arts or cultural activity15% 22% (+7)

Public involvement in Craft

According to the recent study Building the Case for Business Support of the Arts commissioned by Business for the Arts:• Half of the general population state that they are involved in some form

of artistic expression• Craft is the #1 artistic activity amongst the public with 18% making crafts

Similarly, according to the 2014 Culture Days Survey, attendees are far more likely than the general population to describe themselves as a hobbyist or serious amateur in a range of cultural pursuits.

• Craft is the #3 hobby of Culture Days attendees with 41% making crafts (after gardening #1 and culinary arts #2)

Culture Days Audience Demographics

Gender of Attendees Female 78%Male 21%

Education College/University 69%

Household Income $80K+ 26% $60-80K 11%$40-60K 14%

• Most people surveyed (76%) attended a Culture Days activity with at least one other person

• 30% of Attendees brought children under 18 with them to Culture Days events

Research Highlights – Activity Organizers

Positive Outcomes for Activity Organizers

Activity organizers reported a wide variety of positive outcomes from their participation including:

• 61% felt Culture Days enhanced their own enthusiasm for what they do

• 59% felt Culture Days increased the level of awareness in the community of their work

• 46% collaborated with other artists or arts organizations in the community

• 41% attracted new clients and/or audiences

• 39% made contact with those responsible for arts or cultural policy in their community

• 37% strengthened relationships with supporters or sponsors

• 31% developed new skills through participating in Culture Days and/or using the Culture Days resources

Kingston - Eco T-Shirt Workshop at Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Photo by Tim Forbes

Culture Days Campaign Landmarks

March 16 to May 4Early-registration Campaign:

May 4 – chance to win a Customized Community Marketing Kit for your community!

April – May Information Sessions across Ontario

May – JulyRegistration Campaign continues

Early September:Marketing and media campaigns ramp up

September 18Activity Registration Deadline

September 25, 26, & 27 Culture Days weekend

October Post-event surveys and content collectionSoap making demo by The Carberry Soap Co.

in Pickering, Culture Days 2013Photo by Vivian Huang

Early Registration leads to Success

Register Early to increase your chances of success!

• 32% of activity organizers registered before July. With a longer period to plan and promote their activities, not surprisingly, this group reported the highest success rate - 50% said their event was “very successful”.

• 16% did not register until September and were the least likely to rate their activity as very successful- only 35% said their event was “very successful”.

Top reasons for late registration in September:

• 41% were not sure if they were going to participate• 38% did not find out about Culture Days until September

It is predominantly first-time activity organizers who registerin September.

National Culture Days Registration Deadline is September 18th

Who is Craft Ontario?

Formerly the Ontario Crafts Council, Craft Ontario is a not-for profit service organization that works to have craft recognized as a valuable part of life. We promote and celebrate professional craft through providing member opportunities, and advocate for craft practice by educating and empowering diverse audiences.

How Do We Define Craft?

• How Culture Days defines ‘culture’ is similar to how Craft Ontario defines ‘craft’. It has broad definitions across different audiences. It can mean different things to different people.

• Most people understand that a craft object is something that made by hand.

• Craft represents history and tradition, but can also be innovative and contemporary in nature.

Hana Balaban-Pommier, Look Beyond the Skin, 2014

Craft in Canada

• Craft activities in Canada contributed $2.8 million to the GDP in 2010• More people are becoming interested in re-engaging with their communities and

the culture that exists within it. • The story behind the objects in our lives is important to know and is a significant

portion of the value that we attribute to them. • Craft, as a category of objects and activities, contributes to the economic well-

being of individuals and communities.

Lindsay Montgomery, Armadillos, 2013

• Citizens of Craft is a movement.A movement of makers, of appreciators, of shoppers, of admirers – of anyone whose values match our values – of heritage, innovation, leading edge, traditional, authentic, entrepreneurial.

• Citizens of Craft has a manifesto of 10 point which defines these values. See citizensofcraft.ca • There is a growing societal value placed on things like craft beer, local farmers markets,

artisanal products – this is a societal shift that has taken place over the last decade or so. We believe the time is now ripe to:

a) Promote craft in a new way

b) To gain a broader audience

c) To celebrate those who already believe in it

Citizens of Craft was funded through Canadian Heritage, and the support of the Strategic Initiative Fund, the Government of Ontario, and the support of the Cultural Development Fund, the Canadian Crafts Federation and our sister Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils, along with their provincial funding bodies.

Craft Events held during Culture Days 2014

Stained Glass Workshop Burlington, Ontario

Teresa Seaton, a 14 year veteran of stained glass, demonstrated her copper foiling technique as she completed a stained glass panel.

Art After Dark (Opening + Demo)Kingston, Ontario

Exhibition opening of State of Enchantment + glass-blowing demonstration (participatory element)

Craft Events held during Culture Days 2014

Community Cross-Stitch MuralNorth Bay, Ontario

The FARM team of DIYers organized this workshop where participants learned how to cross-stitch while contributing to a large-scale community art project.

Guild DemonstrationsBurlington, Ontario

Demonstrations were given by various members from the guilds of Burlington Art Centre including weaving, woodworking and rug-hooking.

Craft Events held during Culture Days 2014

Silver Jewellery Making Demo Pickering, Ontario

A drop-in demonstration of by an artist creating earrings, pendants and bracelets in sterling silver using a variety of techniques.

Wood Turning DemonstrationCaledon, Ontario

Wood-turner Barry Young demonstrated techniques on his lathe in the wonderful 130 year-old barn at historic Silver Creek Farm.

Craft Events held during Culture Days 2014

Artisans in the TentShakespeare, Ontario

Artisans in the Tent was a showcase of local Artists in Shakespeare, Ontario. Included free samples of local food, a BBQ and music.

Studio TourLondon, Ontario

A behind-the-scenes look at the handcrafted metal and mixed media sculptures of Jaroslav-Jerry Vrabec.

• Craft Year is a year-long, nation-wide festival aimed at promoting craft as a key player in Canadian culture. Craft Year features events on their website including craft exhibitions, fairs, book launches, open houses, conferences, workshops, competitions, publications, community events and more.

• Craft Year 2007 had over 700 events. • There are two ways you can participate:

1. You can rebrand your already planned events for 2015 with a Craft Year logo (found on www.craftyear.ca)

2. you can take the initiative to help us set the stage for craft in Canada by creating new activities/events designed specifically for Craft Year.

• You can find us on Facebook at Canadian Crafts Federation/Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art.

• We’re on Twitter @CraftYear2015. Use the hashtag #CraftYear2015

Craft Events planned for Craft Year in 2015

Play with ClayWaterloo, Ontario

Play with Clay is an open clay studio experience designed for families, friends and couples at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery.

Craft WeekendGeorgina, Ontario

This weekend will show you just how creative you can be by exposing you to a variety of different craft mediums. You’ll learn the tips and tricks of making a special one-of-a-kind item that you will take home with you.

Tips for Activity Organizers

• Have promotional materials for your classes and services available and accessible in a highly visible location. Display registration forms for any upcoming classes or workshops.

• Target a new audience! Hold a session geared at teens, seniors, etc. to introduce yourself to a new client base.

• Have your artwork or products for sale visible and clearly priced for anyone wishing to purchase a piece before or after participating in your activity.

The public joins in at The Street Art Fest, presented by the Downtown Guelph BIA, Culture Days 2013. Photo by Olivia Rutt

Glass painting workshop with Nina Shah. Photo by Alejandra Higuera

Tips for Activity Organizers

• Partner with an organization or business that ties-in to your activity

Co-present a craft activity using recycled materials with an environmental organization, hold a storytelling workshop themed on stories about food at the farmers’ market, etc.

• Engage new potential clients and build your mailing list.

Have a sign-in sheet, guest register, comment card, raffle or some other way to collect participants’ contact information so you can get in touch with them about your future activities.

Pottery at Mimico Square. Photo by Scott Durno

Consider asking a local business for support

There was an 11% increase in support to Culture Days activity organizers from the business community between 2013 and 2014.

Suggestions for Success

Make Culture Days work for you! - What do you want to achieve? - How will you measure success?• Promote yourself! - Use the Local Marketing Kit and social media• Join or create a hub location with other artists and arts groups; your audience will increase if there is a concentration of activities.

Artist Aparna Rangnekar leads participants in creating a large scale community mosaic at Milton Centre for the

Arts. Photo by Aubrey Reeves

Tools and Resources

• 2015 Participation Guide• Community Organizer Toolkit• PR Toolkit• Sponsorship Toolkit• Customizable advertising templates for a

variety of media posters, postcards, video bumpers,

web badges and banners, etc.• Tip sheets on a range of topics• Personal Scheduler• And more

Activity and community organizers have access to a wide range of customizable tools and resources to make planning and hosting their activities easier, including:

Support from Ontario Culture Days

• Answer questions and concerns

• Present information sessions in your community (spring)

• Direct you to resources

• Support peer to peer learning through social media, blogs, tips and tools, and the Ontario Culture Days Task Force where community organizers share experiences, get new ideas, problem solve, learn from each other, etc.

• Purchase advertising and develop media sponsorships to raise the profile of Culture Days across the province

• Conduct a provincial PR campaign

Social Media

Connect with us through our social media channels – we’ll help get the word out about your activities!

Ontario:@ONCultureDays@Onfdlc

National:@CultureDays@FeteDeLaCulture

2014 Campaign media partners

National Media Partners

Provincial Media Partners

Thank you! Contact Ontario Culture Days

Aubrey ReevesExecutive Director Ontario Culture Days416-964-7555aubreyreeves@culturedays.ca

www.on.culturedays.ca

Contact Craft Ontario

Rebecca Welbourn

Head of Membership + Marketing Craft Ontario416- 925-4222 ext. 222rwelbourn@craftontario.com

www.craftontario.com

I love Woodcarving. Photo by Tim Forbes