The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) recently launched a pan-Canadian study on the Impact of Digital Technology on the Cultural Sector. The study, spearheaded by the Nordicity Group, aims to measure the impact of technology on the labour force in the eight sub-sectors: visual arts and crafts, live performing arts, film and television, broadcasting, writing and publishing, music and sound recording, heritage, and digital media.
During the next eight months, Nordicity will hold consultations across Canada with leaders in the cultural sector to identify Human Resources issues in the sector through surveys and interviews. CHRC Board member and Steering Committee Chair, Pat Feheley, noted that “the impact of digital technology is probably the biggest single issue facing the cultural sector at this time. In varying degrees, digital technology is affecting the infrastructures of the sub-sectors, the modus operandi of their businesses, the skills requirements of employers and the training needs of artists and cultural workers across the sector and across the country.”
The Nordicity Group will also review the various elements of the “creative chain” in the culture sector, including creation, production, manufacturing, distribution/dissemination, and preservation in not-for-profit and for-profit businesses and organizations.
Susan Annis, Executive Director of CHRC, expressed confidence in the study and emphasized the importance of the forthcoming findings. ‘With the expertise and commitment of such an impressive Steering Committee, and the knowledge and experience of the Nordicity team, CHRC is confident that the Study’s findings and recommendations will be invaluable tools and guides for the sector to enable it to seize the opportunities of digital technologies,’
The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) is committed to strengthening the cultural labour force, and strives to be at the centre of vision and forward thinking in the area of cultural human resources development. CHRC brings together representatives of arts disciplines and cultural industries in the cultural sector to address the training and career development needs of employers and cultural workers including artists, technical staff and managers.
The project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Programs. For more information or to become a member of CHRC, visit culturalhrc.ca
