APRIL 21, 2009

ONTARIO BOOSTS SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS 

McGuinty Government Invests In Growing Creative Sector

 

 

NEWS

Ontario is investing in the vitality of its arts and cultural sector and the continued growth of the creative economy.

The province is providing a $5 million increase in annual funding to the Ontario Arts Council to  help the Council:

• Develop Ontario arts organizations and artists
• Promote art and culture in communities across Ontario
• Increase its services to artists and creators

Ontario’s Entertainment and Creative Cluster created over 80,000 new jobs in Ontario between 1999-2007, an increase of almost 40 per cent. This key economic sector is expected to grow faster than the rest of the economy over the next two decades.

Today’s announcement means the Council’s annual budget is almost $60 million – up 140 per cent since 2003.

QUOTES

“Ontario’s talented artists and arts organizations are vital to the growth of the province’s creative economy. Investments in the arts helps strengthen the sector, stimulates the economy and creates jobs.”
- Culture Minister, Aileen Carroll

“Ontario’s artists and arts organizations improve our quality of life, boost local economies and help our province compete internationally. This investment recognizes those contributions and allows us to provide more services that support the continued success of our creative sector.”
- Ontario Arts Council Chair Martha Durdin

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario’s Entertainment and Creative Cluster has grown by almost 40 per cent, compared with 17 per cent of the overall Ontario economy
• In 2007-2008, Ontario Arts Council funded 1,300 individual artists and 874 organizations in 252 communities across Ontario.
• The Ontario Arts Council provides more than 50 grant programs for Ontario artists and art organizations.
  
  

LEARN MORE

 

• Find out more about programs and grants offered by the Ontario Arts Council.
  Read more about supports for Ontario artists at www.ontarioartist.ca

 

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Contacts:
Sarah Petrevan, Minister’s Office, 416 325-1676
Lisa Robart, Communications Branch, (416) 212-3928