Creative Industries in Hamilton, Ontario

Snapshot of the Creative Industries in Hamilton

Hamilton’s Creative Industries Sector includes film, music, fashion, visual and applied arts, live performance, and written and published works. This sector has recently experienced a 16 per cent increase in employment and has more than 2,500 businesses that call Hamilton home. Consistent and accelerated growth is currently seen in the film, music and fashion industries.

30,000 People living in Hamilton work in the Creative Industries, representing 11 per cent of Hamilton’s labour force. Half are between the ages of 25 and 44.

$72.8 Million Was spent on film productions in 2022 in Hamilton, with 986 film permits issued during that time.

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CREATIVE INDUSTRIES STRENGTHS AND ADVANTAGES

Film

Hamilton has 9,140 film workers and 901 film businesses, making it Canada’s third-largest cluster of film businesses.

Year-round, Hamilton attracts both tentpole and mid-tier productions who want to work with local film companies and talent.

Hamilton is an excellent film city because it is adaptable, diverse, gritty, and beautiful and offers various quality film locations.

In addition to filming outside the GTA, production companies can access an additional tax credit: www.ontariocreates.ca/film_and_tv/tax_credits/OFTTC.htm.

Music

Hamilton’s music industry has 7,725 workers and 541 businesses, making it Canada’s sixth-largest cluster of music businesses.

Hamilton has more independent musicians per capita than many top-tier cities worldwide while being the country’s top destination for music occupations.

Hamilton is one of the first Canadian cities to develop a Music Strategy.

Fashion

With a growing number of fashion designers, Hamilton has 521 fashion businesses and is Canada’s fifth-largest cluster of fashion businesses.

There are 7,540 people living in Hamilton employed in the fashion sector, with two major fashion clusters located on James Street North (between Barton and King) and Ottawa Street North (between Dunsmure Road and Barton Street).

“Hamilton has always been a major Canadian music town with a strong arts community. Significant growth is happening for film and fashion generating even more creativity, economic activity and momentum in our community. Create your new story here in Hamilton.”
Debbie Spence,
Creative Industries Lead, City of Hamilton