A previous report in the Statistical Insights on the Arts series (A Statistical Profile of Artists and Cultural Workers in Canada) showed that there are 136,600 artists in Canada who spent more time at their art than at any other occupation in May of 2011 (which is when the National Household Survey data were collected). The number of artists represents 0.78% of the overall Canadian labour force.
Vol. 12 No. 3October 22, 2014Report funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council
 

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