The Ontario Arts Council has awarded more than 10 million dollars to art groups and artists across the province.
The grants are used to fund the work and promotion of artists across many disciplines, including craft, dance, literature, music, theatre, media arts and visual arts.
“Every dollar invested through OAC generates $25 in revenue, fueling both creativity and economic growth,” states Simon Foster, Board Chair of the Ontario Arts Council.
“From flagship institutions to grassroots projects, OAC funding brings people together, amplifies diverse voices, and strengthens our cultural and economic landscape.”
Several organizations and individuals in northwestern Ontario are benefiting.
It includes the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, which is receiving $210,749.
Entertainment series groups in Atikokan, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Fort Frances, Red Lake and Kenora are getting lesser amounts.
Several area Indigenous artists will share $8,500 in funding.
A number of others will use over $16,000 to exhibit their works.
“Whether it’s helping artists and organizations achieve their visions, reach wider audiences or cultivate meaningful connections through creative projects, Ontario’s arts and culture sector plays a vital role in building vibrant communities and driving economic growth,” states Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
“Now more than ever, in the face of threats to our economy and sovereignty, we must invest in and celebrate homegrown artistic talent and programs that bring people together, tell our stories and foster pride in Canadian creativity and culture.”
Here is the complete list of organizations and individuals in northwestern Ontario receiving money;
Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, Thunder Bay, $210,749
Atikokan Entertainment Series, Atikokan, $7,500
Dryden Entertainment Series, Dryden, $7,000
Dryden Youth Entertainment Series, Dryden, $7,500
Geraldton Children’s Entertainment Series, Geraldton, $7,500
Geraldton Kinsmen Overture Concerts, Geraldton, $7,500
Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series, Sioux Lookout, $7,500
Red Lake Wilderness Entertainment Series, Red Lake, $7,500
Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series, Sioux Lookout, $7,500
Sunday Smiles Family Entertainment Series, Kenora, $3,850
Tour de Fort, Fort Frances, $7,500
Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials
Cameron, Kristy, Atikokan, $1,000
Cameron, Percy, Dryden, $1,000
Dumont, Michel, Thunder Bay, $1,000
Keast, Eric, Emo, $1,000
Magiskan, Mary, Thunder Bay, $1,000
Desmoulin, Jacenia, Thunder Bay, $500
Nault, Chantelle, Kenora, $1,000
Singleton, MJ, Dryden, $500
Moroz-Dick, Marlene, Dryden, $500
Nabigon, Camryn, Marathon, $500
Exhibition Assistance
Church, Gayle, Thunder Bay, $2,000
Cooper, Carol, Thunder Bay, $850
Doyle, Patrick, Thunder Bay, $1,350
Lewis, Sue, Thunder Bay, $500
Spuzak, Peter, Township of Alberton, $2,000
Wilson-Smith, Cheryl, Red Lake, $1,910
Doyle, Patrick, Thunder Bay, $500
MacDonald, Mary Jane, Thunder Bay, $1,800
Petrick, Laura-Lynn, Fowler, $1,800
Sutherland, Nicole, Thunder Bay, $800
Winkworth, Anne, Thunder Bay, $700
