Most support arts, culture

TORONTO—An overwhelming majority of Canadians believe arts and culture is worthy of government support, according to the results of a poll commissioned by Canadian Heritage.
When asked “How much importance do you think governments in Canada should place on supporting arts and culture in Canada?” 39 percent chose “a great deal” from a list of four responses while 48 percent chose a “moderate amount.”

Nine percent said “not very much” and three percent responded “no importance at all.”
The telephone poll of 1,001 Canadians, conducted by Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc. last summer, found about 83 percent said they attended a live performance or arts event—such as concerts, theatrical performances, readings, crafts shows, or festivals—during the past year.
About 57 percent said they personally were involved in an artistic activity during the past 12 months.
Two-thirds of those polled said it was important to have arts and culture in their lives, and roughly the same number said it was important that access be within 45 minutes of their home.