This report was commissioned by the Canadian Public Arts Funders (CPAF) as a discussion paper for a meeting of staff in June 2014. The scope of the project was to provide an overview of key Canadian evidence and sources using a “holistic” framework that recognizes the complex and interrelated benefits of the arts in Canada. Evidence addressing five areas is explored: 1) Quality of life; 2) well-being and health; 3) society and identify; 4) education; 5) economy.

Strengths, weaknesses and knowledge gaps in current research were identified. Regarding the arts and the quality of life, the report states Canadian research has shown that the arts can have ‘intrinsic benefits’ such as pleasure, stimulation, and meaning. Many recent reports have focused on public engagement in the arts, a concept that captures a broader view of arts participation and connections between artists and the public. Concerning individual well-being and health, the report noted that recent Canadian research has found a strong correlation between arts participation, health, and well-being.

Hill, K. (2014). Making a Holistic Case for the Arts: Canadian Evidence regarding the Relationship between the Arts and the Quality of Life, Well-being, Health, Education, Society, and the Economy. Canada:Hill Strategies Research, Inc.