What gets measured gets done: Creating a Cultural Wellbeing Index
Why do we need this?:
We contend that in general and broad terms we need to feel better. In Canada today, the old standby measures of success like GDP, employment rates, housing starts and the TSE etc., fall short of capturing the true day-to-day life experienced by citizens. Issues of mental health, community fragmentation, loneliness and declining social trust underscore the need for other metrics. Or to put it another way, we need another way of understanding how we are doing. Could a Cultural Wellbeing Index (CWI) help to navigate these choppy waters, offering greater success for all?
We think so and here's how:
Measurements that are informed by different questions through an annual census, survey models, industry statistics, and public digital media analysis. Such as, but not limited to:
1. What percentage of the population were able and willing to volunteer annually?
2. What percentage of the population had unobstructed access to nature between 3-5 times a month?
3. What percentage of the population had unobstructed access to an arts or cultural event 2-4 times a month?
4. What percentage of the population has 2 or more friends that they are regularly able to do things in person with?
5. What percentage of the populations see hope, meaning, and purpose in the future?
6. What percentage of the population remembers dancing in the past year?
7. What percentage of the population remembers laughing so hard their sides hurt?
8. What percentage of the population remember cooking a meal for someone and enjoying it with them?
9.What percentage of the population feel a sense of belonging in their lives?
10. What percentage of the population had occasion to cry in the company of another?
A CWI could help broaden our understanding of national well being and enable us the necessary tools to implement changes. The CWI might become a necessary addition to how we understand GDP. Especially when we see a schism between high GDP and low cultural engagement, coupled with a widening gap between the very rich and poor. In the same way that GDP cannot possibly capture the complexity and nuance of the economy, but is still a useful proxy for guiding us, the CWI can't be expected to capture all that it means to be human, but it can be one more signal in the quest for a better life for all Canadians.
What do we mean by Culture? Culture encompasses all forms of collective human expression, connection, and identity, extending beyond professional arts to include community traditions, food culture, leisure and entertainment activities, sports, festivals, language, heritage practices, digital media, storytelling, fashion, design, and all other practices through which individuals and communities create shared meaning, foster belonging, and shape their understanding of the world.
What do we mean by Wellbeing? Wellbeing is not merely happiness or pleasure, though it may involve that. Wellbeing is the opposite of rising social ills like chronic loneliness and isolation, high levels of distrust, crippling anxiety and depression, and an overall sense of meaninglessness. Wellbeing allows for the expanse of human emotions, including fear and anger and outrage. Wellbeing means feeling part of communities and belonging to the larger whole, while still being able to disagree loudly and strongly. Of course, as per Maslow’s hierarchy, other needs for wellbeing still matter. Shelter, food, and physical safety need to be prioritized for any society to function, but the Cultural Wellbeing Index would focus on higher order priorities: do we feel seen? Do we feel cared for? Do we feel like we are living meaningful lives?
How do we do it?:
Bring together a cross-sectoral assembly of people that includes artists to more clearly define the values behind the metric. Conduct listening and data collection that reflects the diversity of Canada—geographically, culturally, linguistically, ideologically, and generationally. Set an evolving national benchmark: respond to the data through inclusive, responsive policy and practice with a stated goal of increasing the percentage.
Who pays for it?:
Dedicate sustained investment through Canadian Heritage sponsored by the office of the Prime Minister (PMO) to support the development, testing, and renewal of the Index. Ensure funding supports both researchers and the community members contributing to its creation, so that the metric remains a shared and cared-for cultural asset. Provide a 10-year window of support for the CWI initiative with yearly renewal subject to a series of criteria being met.
It's about the vibes. It's about the inconsistencies between the data we now track to measure our national success and the stories we hear that seem to contradict. How is it possible - for example - that real GDP has grown 15% over the past 70 years while the story of happiness has not? Something has to change. We contend that in general and broad terms we need to feel better. The Culture Wellbeing will help.
David, Owais and SGS
