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The Centre For Cultural Futures Canada

Belonging Through Culture:
Combatting Loneliness in Communities


Have you ever felt lonely?
Loneliness has emerged as a chronic issue of the 21st century, affecting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Cultural Futures Canada will lead a signature initiative that tackles systemic loneliness by leveraging the power of culture and storytelling to foster meaningful connections, create inclusive spaces, and cultivate a stronger sense of belonging within communities.  

In Canada, who is affected by loneliness?

Students

Nearly 70% of Canadian students reported feeling lonely.

- 2016 study, Macleans magazine 2019

Older Adults

58% of Canadians aged 50+ have reported feeling lonely.

- National Institute on Ageing, 2023

New Arrivals

57% of all immigrants to Canada are feeling lonely.

- Action for Children study

New Parents

52% of new parents, moms especially,
felt lonely and isolated.

- Canadian Social Connection Survey

Loneliness is felt more acutely at different stages of Canadian's lives.

Roughly a third of all Canadians (34%) will experience feelings of loneliness at some stage of their lives.  

Life Transitions and Circumstances

✔ People Relocating for Work – Professionals who move for a job often struggle to build social connections in a new city.
✔ Remote Workers & Freelancers – Working from home can limit daily social interaction, leading to isolation.
✔ Expats & Cultural Outsiders – Those living in a new country or culture may struggle with language barriers, cultural differences, or lack of a support system.
✔ Recently Divorced or Widowed Individuals – Losing a spouse or long-term partner significantly disrupts social routines and emotional support networks.
✔ Empty Nesters – Parents whose children have moved out often experience a sudden loss of daily companionship.
✔ Caregivers – Those caring for elderly parents, children with disabilities, or ill partners often feel socially disconnected due to their responsibilities.
✔ People Living with Disabilities or Chronic Illness – Health limitations can make it harder to participate in social activities or leave the house.

Social And Economic Factors

✔ Low-Income Individuals – Financial constraints can limit access to social opportunities, hobbies, and transportation.
✔ LGBTQ+ Individuals – Particularly in less accepting communities, people may struggle to find supportive social networks.
✔ Military Families & Veterans – Frequent relocations or post-service transitions can lead to social isolation.
✔ Refugees & Asylum Seekers – Beyond new immigrant experiences, refugees often face trauma, language barriers, and difficulties integrating.
✔ Incarcerated or Formerly Incarcerated Individuals – Reintegration into society can be extremely isolating.

Situational Factors

✔ People Who Recently Lost Friendships – Social circles change due to life circumstances, and some people find it harder to rebuild connections.
✔ Introverts or Socially Anxious Individuals – Those who struggle with initiating interactions may experience long-term loneliness.
✔ People Experiencing Discrimination – Those who feel excluded due to race, gender, religion, or other factors may withdraw socially.
✔ Newcomers to Religious or Cultural Communities – Even within established groups, it can be difficult to integrate into close-knit communities.

Culture and Community:  A Remedy for Combatting Loneliness


Loneliness also reveals something essential: our deep, intrinsic need for connection and community. In this sense, it holds the potential to catalyze change, prompting us to reimagine how we build communities, create inclusive cultural spaces, and design programs that foster meaningful belonging. Addressing loneliness requires not just combating isolation but nurturing environments where people feel embraced, valued, and part of something larger than themselves. 


In a time defined by rapid change and uncertainty, combating loneliness through culture and community may be one of the most urgent and transformative challenges of our era.


It is time to tackle this important social issue in our community through one of our best avenues for community change:  cultural programming offered by cultural organizations in our community.  At its core, this project will explore how cultural programming can become a catalyst for connection, helping individuals feel seen, valued, and supported. By creating opportunities for dialogue, creative expression, and collective experiences, the project aims to nurture a more cohesive community fabric and address the isolation many people experience today.

Be Part of the Solution. 
An Invitation to Join A Collaborative Pilot Project in the Edmonton Capital Region

We welcome museums, theatre groups, orchestras, libraries and other cultural organizations and venues, along with mental health practitioners, student organizations, parent organizations, immigration groups, social interest groups and other relevant organizations in Edmonton and region to reach out to us if they are interested in participating in a in pilot project to combat loneliness in Edmonton and region.  


This project will utilize our Cultural Innovation Lab process to determine a collective approach to combat loneliness in the Edmonton region through culture and connection, one that we will learn from and use as a launching point for work in other communities.

Want to Participate? Contact Us