2024
highlights
15 years celebrating arts, culture,
and heritage across Canada.
Table of
contents
Open House at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Toronto, ON.
Photo by Allan Cabral.
This year’s Culture Days celebration was nothing
short of incredible! Across Canada, thousands of
events showcased the power of arts and culture
in bringing communities together.
A heartfelt thank you to the organizers, artists,
and volunteers who made it all happen. With
over 4,000 events presented nationwide,
millions of people were able to celebrate
creativity, culture, and heritage in their
communities!
15 YEARS CELEBRATING ARTS AND CULTURE!
September 20th – October 13th, 2024.
Thank you to the
culture days community!
3 WEEKS
4,000+ EVENTS
350+ COMMUNITIES
5M ATTENDEES
1,500+ EVENT ORGANIZERS
Culture Days 2024 in numbers:
Arts and culture ensure the vitality of our communities by
strengthening the bonds between people and creating enriching
shared experiences. Culture Days is a great example of this. Every
year, this event offers an array of activities to celebrate,
discover and highlight arts and culture in communities across the
country. This 15th edition once again demonstrates the importance
of culture as a vector for identity, cohesion and unity.”
“
— the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Dance performance by Abhinaya School of
Dance, Oakville, ON. Photo by Kevin Sousa
Culture Days 2024 took place September 20th – October 13th
all across Canada. From Victoria to Charlottetown to
Yellowknife, artists, creators and organizations welcomed the
public to thousands of free events.
In Alberta, Culture Days celebrations ran alongside the Month
of the Artist during September.
In Québec, The annual Les Journées de la culture celebrations
took place in tandem with Culture Days, from September
27th to 29th.
Culture Days Across Canada
This year, There were
4,000+ Events spanning
a wide range of themes
and disciplines.
Culture
Days 2024
events
Culture Days 2024 Events
Culture Days 2024 Events
english, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, Urdu, Cantonese, Ukrainian, Gujarati, Punjabi, Arabic, Filipino, Chinese, Portuguese, Tagalog, Mi’kmaq, Ojibway, German, Tamil, Slovak, Icelandic, Anishinaabemowin, Cree, Korean, Farsi, Italian, Taiwanese, Finnish, Japanese, Armenian, Yoruba, Somali, Malayalam, telegu, ASL, Hul’q’umi’num’, bengali, kannada, Telugu, Sanskrit, Marathi, russian, Turkish, Blackfoot
Including:
Culture Days events and programs
were PRESENTED in
40+ Languages
Arts Education Organizations
Artist-Run Centres
Provincial Governments
Elementary or Secondary Schools
Community Groups or Centres
Heritage or Historic Organizations
Tourism Associations or Bureaus
Local Arts Councils
Individual or community organizers
Festivals or Major Events
Cultural, Multicultural, or Intercultural Associations
Public Art Galleries
Performing Arts Companies or Organizations
Commercial Art Galleries
Municipalities or Local Governments
Charitable or Advocacy Organizations
Professional Artists
AMateur Artists
Science or Technology Organizations
culinary or agricultural Organizations
Universities or Colleges
Self-Employed Community or Cultural Workers
Libraries
Indigenous Organizations or Friendship Centres
And more!
Artist Collectives, Studios, or Guilds
Media Outlets
Businesses or Business Associations
Museums or Archives
Thanks to
culture days
organizers
1,500+
Culture Days 2024 Events
Top
Participating
Communities
Each year, Culture Days recognizes communities from across the
country for their dedication and efforts with the Top Participating
Communities listing. Hailing from large urban centres, towns, and
rural areas alike, each community is a recognized champion of arts,
culture, and creativity.
Towns and
Rural Areas
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Centre Wellington
Township of Scugog
Gananoque
Yorkton
Flin Flon
The Pas
County of Brant
Sundre
Midland
Dauphin
Urban Centres
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Brampton
Winnipeg
Toronto
Edmonton
Vancouver
Calgary
Hamilton
Regina
Surrey
Ottawa
Mid-size cities
1.
2.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Oakville
Cambridge
Vaughan
Richmond
Milton
Thunder Bay
St. Catharines
Kamloops
Barrie
Burlington
Red Deer
SMall
Municipalities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
9.
10.
Halton Hills
Caledon
Vernon
Sault Ste. Marie
North Vancouver
St. Albert
Prince Albert
Leduc
Mission
Pictou County
West Vancouver
Overall
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
9.
10.
Oakville
Brampton
Winnipeg
Toronto
Cambridge
Vaughan
Halton Hills
Richmond
Centre Wellington
Caledon
Milton
Thunder Bay
The National Day
for Truth and
Reconciliation
Tanya Tagaq with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, performing at
Commemorate Truth and Reconciliation 2024. Koerner Hall, Toronto, ON.
Photo by Lisa Sakulensky.
CoCoModern: Gwa'wala (Raven) Speaks-Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery,
Vancouver, BC. Photo courtesy of Coastal Peoples Gallery
September 30th, the National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation (NDTR), honours the lost children and
survivors of residential schools and their families.
Public participation is essential to fostering
understanding of our shared histories and advancing
Reconciliation. This year, over 135 NDTR events were
registered across the country, showcasing First
Nations, Métis, and Inuit stories, creative expressions,
and perspectives. Many of these events were led by
Indigenous artists, organizations, and collectives. We
extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to
these meaningful programs.
Truth and Reconciliation events
during Culture Days
Culture Days events
marking Truth &
Reconciliation in
2024.
135+
Of PARTICIPANTS attended —
or were planning to attend
—an event in support of the
national day for Truth and
Reconciliation.
57%
Of EVENT organizers
partnered or worked with
Indigenous, First Nations,
Inuit, or Métis artists,
creators, or organizations
during Culture days.
39%
Truth & Reconciliation events during Culture Days
Leah Dorion Horse Labyrinth, Prince Albert, SK.
Photo courtesy of the Mann Art Gallery
Culture Days
2024 Impact
Statistics
Image: Nuit Blanche Winnipeg 2024 in the Exchange District, Winnipeg, MB.
Photo courtesy of The Exchange District Biz.
Research and statistics conducted by Culture Days National and Harris Poll:
Canada, October 2024.
Attendee Survey Results
Age breakdown of attendees
18–24
5%
19%
25–34
23%
35–44
23%
45–54
15%
55–64
15%
65+
of attendees identified
as newcomers to
canada.
16%
attended for the
first time in 2024.
27%
AN ESTIMATED 5 MILLION PEOPLE ATTENDED CULTURE DAYS 2024
Attended events
locally.
40%
Of participants are likely
to attend culture days
next year in 2025.
98%
Attendee Survey Results
55% Events are free to attend
53% I Get to experience something new
42% Learning more about the art and the artists
34% Being Involved in my Community
33% Learning more about other Cultures
22% Spending time with my family and friends
20% Supporting a specific artist or organization
Top Motivations for attending Culture Days:
We are Kerr Artist Workshop with Maryna Salagub,
Oakville, ON. Photo by Jenna Centra
Participants report that
attending Culture Days has
positively Impacted the
following...
94%
Appreciation for arts
and culture
91%
Pride and/or care for
the community where
they live
79%
Likelihood to involve
children and family in
arts and culture
73%
Likelihood of
volunteering at an arts
& culture organization
77%
Desire to contribute
to Truth &
Reconciliation efforts
87%
Desire to be creative
as a pastime or hobby
90%
Likelihood of seeking
out nearby arts and
culture events
78%
Likelihood of
spending more money
on arts and culture
88%
Overall sense of well-
being
Organizer Survey Results
Top motivations to participate as a
culture days organizer:
Strengthening my organization’s ties with
the local community.
79%
Building new audiences.
71%
Belief in Culture days’ mandate and goals.
65%
Collaborating with other artists and
organizations in their community.
56%
SHowcasing their work, or their
organization’s work, to the public.
55%
Increasing their work’s profile in their
community and the arts sector at large.
45%
organizer FEEDBACK
Of organizerS felt that the
culture days initiative is for
event/community organizers
like them.
92%
of organizers intend to
participate again in 2025.
81%
Organizer Survey Results
58%
Increased opportunitIES for new partnerships, collaborations, and expanded networks.
Increased social media followers, newsletter subscribers, etc.
52%
Increased ability to reach new audiences.
50%
Increased revenue (artwork sales, ticket sales, class sign-ups, memberships, etc.)
42%
Increased diversity in their audience.
41%
Recruited new volunteers.
29%
As a result of participating in Culture days in past years,
organizer survey respondents experienced...
Culture
Days In
the news
Unearth Traditions of Working with Local Clay, Regina, SK.
Photo courtesy of The Art Gallery of Regina.
Local artist hosts community
mural project to connect and
reflect
Nanaimo, BC
CHLY 101.7 FM
Morinville Celebrates Alberta
Culture Days with Local
Performances
Morinville, AB
Morinville News
Every year, Culture Days unites millions of people across
Canada to celebrate the transformative power of the
arts and the vital role creativity, expression, and culture
play in connecting our communities. We’re already
counting down the days and can’t wait to celebrate with
you in 2025!
Arts Commons, Calgary, AB. Photo by Ava Wild.
join the celebration!
Interested in organizing an arts, culture, and/or heritage event for Culture Days 2025? Get started today
with these resources! Explore our Event Organizer Guide for step-by-step instructions, and visit our Funding
Opportunities page for a curated list of upcoming arts and culture grants from across the country.
September 19 –
October 12, 2025
Mark your calendars! The next annual
Culture Days celebration is taking place:
Community
snapshots
Play With Your Food! Printmaking Workshop with Marlene Yuen
Richmond, BC
Photo courtesy the
Richmond Art Gallery
New Works: Pop Up
Dances Festival 2024
Granville Island, BC
Photo by Marco Esccer
Express Arte, Mujeres
Omega Foundation
Edmonton, AB
Photo by Creator Studio
& Venue YEG
Arts Commons
Calgary, AB
Photo by Ava Wild
Parol (Filipino Star
Christmas Lantern) Making
Workshop
Yorkton, SK
Photo courtesy of Parkland
Filipino-Canadian
Association Corp and
Culture Days Yorkton
Dakota History Walk and
Talk with Dr Omani
Prince Albert, SK
Photo by Jon Lao
Nuit Blanche Winnipeg
Winnipeg, MB
Photo by Red Photo Co,
Exchange District BIZ
Beading Workshop with
Laurie McDougall
Winnipeg, MB
Photo courtesy of the
Dalnavert Museum and
Visitors' Centre
As an immigrant and now Canadian citizen, I love
attending Culture Days because it brings me closer to
home, I learn about other cultures, and i become more
aware and involved in other community programs and
advocacy.”
“
— Saskatchewan Culture Days Attendee
I love witnessing culture being visibly displayed and
celebrated. I love learning the history and being a part
of what Reconciliation means. Acceptance, understanding
and honour.”
“
— BC Culture Days Attendee
“Its amazing to see the growth of cultural inclusion,
creativity and acceptance since Culture Days’ inception in 2010.
thanks to the dedication and continued support from Culture
Days funders, communities, participants and hosts!
”
— Saskatchewan Culture Days Attendee
“It was a wonderful night, and I look forward to
attending more celebrations of culture hosted by the
community, for the community!
”
— Manitoba Culture Days Attendee
Culture Days Mural
Workshop
Caledon, ON
Photo by Brightpixl
Studios
Plein Air Workshop with
Elisa Rutledge
Pictou County, NS
Photo courtesy of
Creative Pictou County
Glass Mosaics at Art
Now/Craft Is...
Saskatoon, SK
Photo courtesy of Saskatchewan Craft Council
Thread that Tangles but
Doesn't Knot by Yasmeen
Nematt Alla, ONCD
Creative in Residence.
Toronto, ON
Photo courtesy of
Ontario Culture Days
The event that I attended involved an artist explaining her
thought process and explaining her paintings. This was my
first time listening to a visual artist talking about their
art and I found it fascinating. Thank you!”
“
— Ontario Culture Days Attendee
”
“I was Very pleased to get involved in my community,
and Would like to see events in other areas next year.
Culture days helps bring people and communities
together. Great times!
— Manitoba Culture Days Attendee
Subscribe to the Culture Days
National and Provincial newsletters
for all the latest updates:
info@culturedays.ca
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Thank you to our National Partners