Case study
Assessing Québec's Cultural Sector: Economic Impact and Pandemic Challenges
The mandate
Client need
CSMO-Culture wanted a comprehensive portrait of the cultural sector in Québec. The study aimed to assess the sector’s economic contribution prior to the pandemic, the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce, and the effects of emergency measures implemented since March 2020.
Our work
Our strategic approach
We supported the project across 3 key phases
Methodological Review
We conducted a review of various cultural economic indicator methodologies to guide the analysis and presentation of quantitative results.
Statistical Data Collection
We carried out a broad data collection effort using official sources to provide a reliable and objective analytical foundation.
Insights from the Field
We conducted consultations with 18 associations, unions, and funders in the cultural sector to better understand the economic impacts of the health crisis and the realities on the ground.
Results
The results
Recommendations and Impact
Culture holds a major economic position in Québec. While pandemic-related support measures were appreciated, the crisis exposed gaps in the social safety net for cultural workers. To ensure the sector’s sustainability, this safety net must be strengthened to improve compensation, job stability, and working conditions — before too many professionals exit the field permanently.
Economic Weight of Culture
Culture plays a significant role in Québec’s economy, regardless of the indicator considered — GDP, employment, trade, etc. The sector also generates broader economic benefits, including greater social cohesion, health and cognitive gains, and improved overall quality of life.
Pandemic Impacts
The pandemic, compounded by an ill-adapted social safety net, severely affected the cultural sector — especially the performing arts — resulting in major job and income losses and worsening labour shortages across cultural industries.
Government Support Measures
Between March 2020 and March 2022, over $2 billion was allocated to Québec’s cultural sector through various emergency measures. While some had limitations, they were generally well received by the sector, which acknowledged the responsiveness of the MCC, SODEC, and CALQ.
