Remai Modern’s impact to local economy exceeds $100M: SREDA
For immediate release — June 6, 2024
SASKATOON — Remai Modern has a significant impact on economic output generation, labour income, job creation, tourism and the local GDP according to a recent report by the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Association (SREDA).
This report, based on data from 2017-2023, found the museum has had far-reaching impact on the local economy since opening in October 2017, including:
- $100.62 M in total economic output generation
- $55.34 M in GDP contribution
- $40.85 M in labour income; and
- 578 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs created
“At Remai Modern we are fortunate to see the impact the museum makes through the visitors who connect to our exhibitions, the children who discover their creativity through our programs, and the local organizations we partner with to create a greater sense of community. Thanks to this SREDA report, we are grateful to also have quantitative data that supports Remai Modern’s impact on the local economy,” said Aileen Burns and Johan Lundh, Co-Executive Director & CEOs. “We feel privileged to help enhance the quality of life in Saskatoon, to drive tourism and to work near and with local businesses to create a more vibrant city.”
Closing out 2023, the museum had estimated output and GDP figures of $18.61 M and $10.25 M, respectively.
Remai Modern receives an annual operating grant from the City of Saskatoon. This study shows that the museum’s total economic output is more than 2.5 times the City of Saskatoon’s investment to date, offering tremendous value to citizens and the Saskatoon economy.
The report also finds the museum has a strong impact on the city’s tourism sector, contributing to an estimated 22,376 overnight hotel stays by visitors who have travelled from out-of-province to explore the art gallery. The study finds the museum contributed to $3.51 million in tourism-specific total economic output generation, a testament to the museum’s ability to stimulate spending in the local economy.
Remai Modern also released its 2023 annual report this week, highlighting a year that included doubling the number of visitors over 2022. Other key stats from 2023 include:
- 213,000 visitors for Remai Modern’s best year to date
- 3,141 Learning & Engagement programs delivered to more than 80,000 participants
- 85% increase in venue rental revenue
- 16 diverse exhibitions presented
- 150% increase in restaurant visitors
About Remai Modern
Remai Modern is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to First Nations and Métis ancestors and reaffirm our relationship with one another.
Remai Modern is a new museum of modern and contemporary art in Saskatoon. The museum presents and collects local and international modern and contemporary art that connects, inspires and challenges diverse audiences through equitable and accessible programs.
Open since October 2017, Remai Modern is the largest contemporary art museum in western Canada and houses a collection of more than 8,000 works, including the world’s foremost collection of Picasso linocut prints.
Remai Modern would like to acknowledge the contributions of the Frank & Ellen Remai Foundation, the Canada Council for the Arts, SaskCulture through the Sask Lotteries Fund, SK Arts and the City of Saskatoon.
For additional information contact:
Stephanie McKay, Communications Manager
306.975.2242