Measuring how culture contributes to economic development
The Hangzhou Declaration of May 2013 was a key step in UNESCO’s advocacy for the role of culture in sustainable development. In this context, understanding the contribution of cultural employment to the economy is vital. Without appropriate methods of measurement and reliable statistics, countries lack the tools necessary to evaluate the extent and characteristics of cultural employment in a comparable way.
What is the size of the cultural labour force in the economy? What is the social status of women in cultural employment? How many artists are employed as performers? These and other questions have emerged as countries seek to adopt policies and undertake activities to foster vibrant cultural industries.
What is the role of the UIS?
The UIS is developing a global survey on cultural employment statistics using the methodology of the 2009 UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics. The results will shed light on the contribution of culture to economic and social development, as well as the conditions of those engaged in cultural activities.