QUÉBEC, May 26, 2014 / CNW Telbec / – Newsletter opinion of Michel Côté, Director General of Museums of civilization on the fundamental role of culture in? economy?.
We can address the issue of culture from different angles focusing on aspects of creativity and innovation, integration and social cohesion, trade and development … Let me be here more reducer of emphasize the close relationship between economy and culture and reveal a face too often hidden cultural reality.
In a recent study, the French Government recalled the fundamental role of culture in the economy, stressing that the value added of this sector represents 3.2% of GDP and 670,000 jobs, or 7 times more than the automotive sector.The Conference Board of Canada , meanwhile, estimated that the economic impact of the cultural sector in Canada was in 2007, 84 billion or 7.4% of GDP.
Speaking of culture, it is also talk of economy. The Musée de la civilization has recently produced a report showing the impact of 12 million tourist visits related to the presentation of a major exhibition, and, for one year. We can add to these benefits back in tax rebates from the various levels of government 15 million, which represents over 60% of subsidies. All this allows you to create and sustain over 600 jobs besides direct support to artists, designers, performers participating in the cultural life of the Museum. We are therefore in the presence of a logical worthwhile investment considering the impact of museums in education, knowledge development, heritage protection and social cohesion.
Museums are key players in the tourism strategy. One can easily understand that Paris would not be the most visited city in the world without its artistic heritage and museums (Louvre, Orsay, Beaubourg). Since the reunification of Germany, there are less than thirty years, the City Berlin based its development strategy on economic development as common sense as its cultural attraction force. Museum Island, the Museumlnsel has been identified as a hub for the expression of the arts and cultures of the world. Existing museums including the renovation is still in progress, will add the Humboldt Forum, a major cultural hub. This set will be completed in 2019 after investments totaling more than 900 million euros.
Can you imagine her without Quebec recognized by UNESCO and without the wealth and influence of museums heritage? National museums do not exist, they should be developed. There is now support.
Museums are also essential in terms of forest land and urban development. Many cities around the world have chosen an innovative cultural policy and have created museums to act positively on the land. The Louvre is well installed in Lens while Beaubourg chose Metz Marseille hosted the Museum of the Mediterranean while the Confluence Museum participated in the creation of a new district allowing Lyon to double its downtown. Think local and regional development is also develop a museums policy.
For 25 years, government subsidies have changed little while the costs of energy, transportation and municipal taxes have continued to grow. Museums have made efforts in developing sponsorship or by multiplying the national and international partnerships. They are successful because they had 14 million visitors over the entire territory. The Quebec government has also created a task force and its report (Corbo Report) confirmed the under-funding of the network, including national museums.
Ensure the development of Quebec is to ensure that the Company has appropriate places of reference, knowledge and reflection. Quebec museum has made its mark internationally, allow him to continue to provide citizens with quality places to meet the needs of knowledge sharing. Investing in culture is to contribute to economic development.
The Director General,
(Signed)
Michel Côté
The May 26, 2014
Post comments (0)