Kingston Arts Council Releases the Artist Prosperity Project Survey Report

After collecting data through the Artist Prosperity Survey, the Kingston Arts Council (KAC) is
excited to announce the publication of the Artist Prosperity Project Survey Report. The
recently published report gives insight into the economic realities, working conditions, and
creative practices of artists working in Katarokwi/Kingston and the surrounding region.
The Artist Prosperity Survey, launched in June 2025, set out to collect the data from local visual
artists, musicians, and performing artists to better understand how they live, work, and
sustain their practices. Drawing from the survey data, the report offers a snapshot of the local
arts economy, identifying key challenges and opportunities that affect these artists across
disciplines.

“This report is about grounding advocacy in evidence,” says B.C. Gorrie, Program and
Communications Coordinator at the KAC. “Artists have always known the challenges they face and
this data helps us make those realities visible to policymakers, funders, and the public. It’s a step
toward building a stronger, more sustainable arts sector for the entire region.”

The report outlines trends in artist income, access to funding, barriers to career development, and
the availability of affordable space, equipment, and opportunities in the area. Findings reveal that,
of those surveyed, the majority of artists earned less than $40,000 annually from all sources,
with over 80% earning under $40,000 annually from their artistic or cultural practice alone. As a result, many artists worked secondary jobs or in other positions outside of the arts and culture
industry to supplement their creative income.

Key findings from the report include:
● Over 65% of artists identified financial instability as a primary challenge.
● 72% of participants agreed that Katarokwi/Kingston was a good place to live and work
as an artist.

● Only 24% of artists reported having applied to and received grant funding.
● Respondents were highly educated, as 76% received a post-secondary degree,
diploma, or certificate.
● Artists cited the need for better access to media coverage, funding, rehearsal &
creation spaces, education & workshops, and performance & exhibition
opportunities as the main way to support their work.

The report also underscores the many benefits of creating in Katarokwi/Kingston: strong
community support, access to local arts organizations or events, and opportunities for
collaboration were all highlighted as strengths by artists. Although not every concern can be
resolved quickly, this data provides artists and arts organizations with evidence to strengthen
their advocacy efforts.

The Artist Prosperity Project is one step towards building and
strengthening the artistic economy in Katarokwi/Kingston and the surrounding region.
Funded by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, the Artist Prosperity Survey was
developed in collaboration with and supported by participation from community partners
including Tourism Kingston – Music Office, Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Kingston Theatre
Alliance, Spider Web Show, and Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre.