Give Thanks for Canadian Creativity

There’s a lot happening in the world right now, and it’s impossible not to feel the effects of the ongoing trade disputes between Canada and the United States.

While we often hear about tariffs in terms of steel, agriculture, manufacturing and other major industries, Canada’s creative industries are part of this conversation too.

Canadian artists and creative businesses have long relied on access to international markets, particularly the United States. Canadian Heritage has noted that the U.S. accounted for 68% of Canada’s cultural exports in 2022, while recent trade uncertainty, changing tariff policies and the new (as of April 2026) 50% tariff on various visual arts and crafts have created new challenges for Canadian artists.

But there is something that each of us can do.

We can choose to support Canadian creativity at home.

That doesn’t necessarily mean making a big purchase, though that is always appreciated by artists. It can be as simple as:

🎨 Buy original art
Choose a painting, print, photograph, ceramic or handmade piece from a Canadian artist

🛍️ Shop local makers
When you’re looking for gifts, home décor or something special, seek out Canadian-made products and independent artists.

🎟️ Experience Canadian culture
Go to a gallery opening. Take a workshop. See a Canadian performer. Visit a museum. Attend a local festival.

📣 Share the work
Follow Canadian artists and creative businesses online. Like, comment, share and recommend their work to someone who might love it.

🏢 Businesses can participate, too
Consider Canadian artists when sourcing artwork, gifts, event décor, client thank-yous, staff experiences and creative services.

None of these actions solves the larger challenges facing our creative industries. But, collectively, they help create something important: a strong local audience for Canadian artists.

And that matters.

At the Alton Mill, we’re fortunate to see that creativity up close every day. More than 20 artists and creative businesses call the Mill home, and supporting them means supporting a much bigger ecosystem of makers, framers, photographers, designers, instructors, galleries, suppliers and creative professionals.

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for Canadian artists—and for the people who choose to support them.