Montréal, August 26, 2025 – What sets Montréal apart in the eyes of its residents? Culture! Montrealers see it first and foremost as a multicultural city (69%), a city of arts and festivals (49%) and a leading cultural centre (39%). To put it in other words, two out of five Montrealers are living in Montréal for its ready access to the arts!
That strong, widely recognized cultural identity comes across clearly in the Les arts au cœur des Montréalais·e·s survey, conducted by Léger in cooperation with the Conseil des arts de Montréal. The results of this third edition of the survey since 2019 vary little and reaffirm Montrealers’ sense of belonging and deep attachment to culture and artists, in addition to clearly demonstrating the essential role they play.
Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director of the Conseil des arts de Montréal
“What Montrealers are telling us is that they fully recognize the value of the arts: in fact, 91% appreciate artists’ contributions to city life. They want more art, more access and more support. This broad-based consensus provides powerful impetus for the creative heart that beats in Montréal.”
Jean-Marc Léger, President of Léger
“When 80% of Montrealers express a desire for increased arts funding, it’s not just a preference—it’s the collective will. With municipal elections approaching, they’re sending a strong signal: residents see Montréal first and foremost as a cultural city. and they want that identity to receive full support.”
Arts funding: A consensus in favour of collective support
Beyond an appreciation for the arts, the survey data show staunch support for arts funding. Fully 57% of Montrealers believe that the municipality and artists are primarily responsible for bringing the arts to life in Montréal, ahead of any other public authority. What’s more, 80% want the city to provide more funding for arts organizations’ operations, while 74% believe that such funding should be a municipal priority.
That desire to see greater support for the arts extends to other funding sources as well: 77% of respondents believe that support for the Montréal arts scene should be a priority for the business community, and 70% believe that Montrealers should contribute to arts funding through donations. The message is clear: Montrealers want a collective commitment, with the city and artists playing a leading role.
A strong attachment to the arts and artists
Montrealers place great importance on the arts and their role in city life. Some 86% acknowledge that professional artists add value to society. The reasons most often cited are that the arts attract tourists, highlight the city’s cultural diversity, make it more beautiful, improve its economy, help create jobs and enhance community life.
Furthermore, the arts are seen as having a tangible impact on daily life: 80% of those surveyed feel that the arts improve their quality of life, and 87% appreciate having access to artistic offerings near their homes.
Arts attendance: A few other highlights
Some 55% of Montrealers attend arts events as much or more than they did five years ago. In a positive sign at a time when young people’s interest in culture is often called into question, 46% of 18–34 year olds participate in the arts a little more or much more often than five years ago, compared to 24% of the general public.
However, 34% of the population attends the arts less often than five years ago, rising to 46% among those aged 55 and over. This is not due to a lack of interest: instead, it is the unfavourable economic climate that is holding back attendance at artistic activities. The rising cost of living in general (29%) and the rising cost of activities (14%) are the two main reasons mentioned by those who attend the arts less than they did five years ago.
That said, people do want to take part in cultural activities: 40% of Montrealers buy tickets at least once every three or four months, while 53% attend free events at the same frequency.
Summing up
The arts are not just a part of Montréal—they are its soul. This survey reveals a community that is sensitive, curious and proud of its culture. Whether expressed through attendance, recognition or attachment, Montrealers confirm that the arts are central to their city, their day-to-day lives and their future.
Media relations:
Rosemonde Gingras
Rosemonde Communications
514 458-8355 / rosemonde@rosemondecommunications.com
Available for interviews:
Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director, Conseil des arts de Montréal
Gabrielle Blais, Research Director, Léger
