Designed primarily for funders, policymakers, and cultural sector leaders, Setting the Stage, by Figurative, is a comprehensive roadmap for establishing primarily debt focused impact investment funds and initiatives in the cultural and creative sectors.

Driven by a sense of urgency and optimism, Art and the World After This makes the case for grounding the arts firmly in action as a powerful force for creating a better world. The report explores four distinct but interrelated disruptions which have shaken our world — the disruption of activity (pandemic), society (social unrest), industry (digital revolution), and the world (climate crisis) — as well as the unique value art brings to society. In this timely report, David Maggs explores how the arts can serve a more applied and accountable role in society as a catalyst for meeting the profound challenges we face.

With the traditional reliance upon grants and earned revenue under strain, the possibility of unlocking new pools of funds is both compelling and enticing. This report breaks new ground in exploring how the non-profit arts sector in Canada could harness the power of social finance to strengthen its financial footing by surveying national and international examples.