Sept. 3, 2008

BOOSTING CULTURE IN THE COMMUNITY

McGuinty Government Supporting Expansion Of Junction Arts Festival

 

NEWS

Ontario is boosting culture in Toronto by helping expand and promote The Junction Arts, Festival, a popular west-end community art event that runs from September 3 to 7. The festival is the centrepiece of the Junction neighbourhood’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

The Government of Ontario is investing $75,000 to help attract new audiences to the festival, which will feature a special musical performance by five-time Juno-winning singer David Usher on September 6. Other events include dance and theatre performances, readings by local artists and a KidZone that includes the Art Gallery of Ontario’s mural program and other hands-on activities.

The funding for the event is being provided through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, which helps develop, promote and present unique events and exhibitions.

QUOTES

“The Junction Arts Festival will attract more visitors to appreciate and enjoy the outstanding work of the community’s artists,” said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll. “Ontario is proud to support this popular arts festival by helping promote it to audiences across Canada and New York.”

“This investment from the Ontario Government has gone a long way in supporting the businesses and residents of the Junction," said the festival’s executive producer, Michael Menegon. "It has made it possible to expand the Junction Arts Festival, establishing it as a major contributor to the cultural landscape in Ontario.”

“The Junction Arts Festival is a good example of how a neighbourhood celebration has grown and become a tourist attraction, now attracting over 150,000 people! OCAF is pleased to help the Festival continue its remarkable expansion,” said Dr. Murray Frum, Chair of the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund.

QUICK FACTS

• More than 250 artists, including over 150 from the Junction neighbourhood, are participating in the festival.
• The Junction Arts Festival will feature a new zone to honour the neighbourhood's 100th anniversary.
• Ontario's culture sector generates almost $20 billion of the province's Gross Domestic Product.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about the Junction Arts Festival.
Learn more about how Ontario supports art and culture in communities across the province.

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Contacts:

Alicia Johnston, Minister’s Office, 416 325-1676
Lisa Robart, Communications Branch, 416 212-3928