The Ontario government is giving more than $10 million to support 226 artists and arts organizations across the province. The money comes through the Ontario Arts Council and will help fund programs that promote local culture, support artists, and strengthen communities.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho says the arts play an important role in bringing people together, telling Canadian stories, and supporting the economy. He says investing in local talent is especially important at a time when the province faces economic and social challenges.
Each year, the Ontario Arts Council provides grants to artists working in music, theatre, dance, literature, media arts, crafts, and visual arts. The funding supports both large cultural groups and individual local artists.
Ontario Arts Council Chair Simon Foster says the arts are vital to the province’s identity and economy. He notes that every dollar invested generates about $25 in revenue, with nearly 3,000 grants each year reaching more than 31 million people across the province.
Between 2018 and 2023, Ontario invested more than $350 million in arts funding, creating thousands of jobs and adding billions of dollars to the economy.