As we enter a new year, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible clients and projects that shape our work. At Nordicity, we believe that the power of connection lies at the heart of everything we do—whether it’s uniting people with ideas, communities with opportunities, or organizations with sustainable growth solutions. This year, we had the privilege of contributing to several initiatives that brought people together in meaningful ways, across the arts, culture, technology, social impact, and economic development domains.
Here’s a look at a few of the highlights from this year.
Collaborating on Audience Analytics Collective 2.0
In the digital arts data space, one of our most exciting initiatives is our continued collaboration with nearly 20 arts and culture organizations across Toronto, including project lead TO Live and technical partners, Synapse C. We’re honored to work alongside these incredible organizations, with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts’ Digital Strategy Fund, to foster shared insights about the diverse audience experiences that shape Toronto’s cultural landscape. Stay tuned for results highlights later this year.
Exploring how Roblox is Fueling Careers Across the USA
In games, we were honoured to partner with Roblox this year on the first-ever economic impact assessment that looked at how the platform contributes to careers in various corners of the USA. By tapping into data from Roblox, surveying creators, and sharing fascinating case studies, we were able to reveal how the creator economy is creating new opportunities for individuals who might otherwise be shut out.
Investigating Social Finance in the Arts
This year, we explored the potential of social finance in the arts through a project with the Metcalf Foundation, supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council. As the world looks increasingly to impact investing as a tool for positive change, the use of social finance in supporting the arts remains underexplored. We are excited to be at the forefront of this conversation, offering creative insights into how this innovative approach can reshape the financial landscape for arts and culture organizations.
Integrating Doughnut Economics
Nordicity proudly led the City of Nanaimo's Not-for-Profit Sector Study, shedding light on the multifaceted contributions of the sector to the local economy, society, and environment. This study, informed by the principles of Doughnut Economics, will shape the City’s strategic efforts to empower and strengthen the resilience of its non-profit sector, build its capacity, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
Measuring the Impact of Live Music in Canada
We were also proud to work with the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) on Hear and Now, the first-ever economic impact assessment of the live music industry in Canada. The report, based on a survey and in-depth conversations with live music workers across the country, captures the far-reaching effects of this dynamic and powerful industry. It underscores the importance of live music as both a cultural and economic force, contributing to local economies, communities, and the Canadian identity. Stay tuned for the full report!
Strategic Planning with the Canadian Museum of Nature
Nordicity was excited to work with the Canadian Museum of Nature to develop their next Strategic Plan, focused on building connections with Canadians coast-to-coast-to-coast, connecting Canadians to the national collection and their National Museum of Nature, and building stronger connections with our natural world through engagement and wonder.
Digital Peacebuilding in Lebanon
This year, Nordicity partnered with the British Council in Lebanon to design and deliver a transformative Digital Peacebuilding program for young creatives. Through digital citizenship training and capacity building, we empowered youth and civil society organizations to tackle pressing issues like hate speech, polarization, and misinformation while championing diversity, inclusivity, and dialogue in the online world, in Lebanon, and across the MENA/SWANA region.
Pioneering the Philippines' Creative Economy Satellite Accounts
Nordicity also partnered with the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) this year to help develop the country’s first-ever National Creative Economy Satellite Account—a cornerstone of the nation’s 2024 Creative Economy Development Act.
Strategic Planning with the Television francaise de l’Ontario (TFO)
Nordicity was proud to collaborate with TFO in the development of its next strategic plan, affirming its essential role as a service and resource for Franco-Ontarians, the process of which continues into the new year. This plan aims to strengthen TFO's role in bringing together the French-speaking community, promoting our language and culture, and highlighting our stories and cultural experiences.
Developing a Screen Tourism Action Plan for Malta
Nordicity was thrilled to work with the Malta Film Commission and Saffery LLP in 2024 to develop a Lasting Value – Endless Possibilities: A Screen Tourism Action Plan for Malta, which was unveiled at the 2024 Mediterrane Film Festival in June. Over the past decade, Malta has experienced tremendous growth in its film and TV production sector. The screen tourism action plan set out a strategy of deeper collaboration between the Malta Film Commission and Malta Tourism Authority and Heritage Malta.
Connecting with the Cultural and Creative Sector
Each year, we prioritize staying connected with industry trends and innovations. This year, our team attended a number of events, including PrimeTime (Ottawa), Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Banff World Media Festival, the Creative City Summit, CMW Music Summit, CMA National Conference, Taste of Place Summit, the 2nd Annual State of Canada’s Cities Summit, Community Futures of North Eastern Ontario conference and OLA Super Conference. We also had the privilege of speaking at a number of important events across the globe this year, including:
- GameDev Summit (Boracay, Philippines): to present the “Developers’ Journey” to the participants of Nordic Game Policy Day.
- XP Game Summit: to lead a discussion on the changing economics of the global games industry
- Games Com LATAM (Sao Paulo): to present the vision for a world-leading video games industry in Brazil.
- Devcom: to present the findings of Nordicity’s Inclusive Gaming report, funded by the Canada Media Fund.
- Signals/XP Indie Connect: to present the initial industry data findings from recent work for the CIAIC and ESAC.
- ImmerseKL (Kulala Lumpur): to present a perspective on market opportunities for in the global XR market.
- MIGS: for a fireside chat with Amir Satvat, the winner of the 2024 Game Changers award (as part of The Game Awards 2024).
- Africa Games Week (Cape Town): to lead a workshop on the global economics of the games industry – and games-specific policy options.
- Digital Media at the Crossroads (DM@X): to present overarching industry trends in the audiovisual and music sector at the annual conference, which brings students, students, industry and academic leaders together.
