July 23, 2008

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS LONDON ART AND CULTURE

McGuinty Government Investing In Local Community Projects

 

NEWS

Ontario Minister of Culture Aileen Carroll was in London today to speak about how arts and culture enhance quality of life and contribute to economic development.

The Ontario government has invested $1,783,160 in London through grants for arts and culture initiatives.

Over the past eight months, the Ontario Arts Council has provided $970,760 to support the work of London artists and arts and culture organizations.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided a total of $812,000 in grants for arts and culture initiatives undertaken by a diverse range of community arts organizations.

QUOTES

“The people of London take pride in their local arts and cultural institutions,” said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll at the Philip Aziz Gallery in London today. “Ontario is pleased to support the contributions that London’s arts and culture sector make to the city’s economy and quality of life.”

“London has a strong and thriving arts community that has successfully engaged residents and businesses alike,” said Khalil Remal, MPP for London-Fanshawe. “These investments help raise the profile of our local artists and arts institutions and strengthen our communities.“    

QUICK FACTS

 

1. Arts and culture are at the heart of Ontario’s emerging economy, and contribute almost $20 billion to Ontario’s GDP.
2. Ontario’s creative sector is the third largest in North America by employment after California and New York.  
3. To help develop and promote arts organizations and artists across Ontario, the government is increasing the Ontario Arts Council’s annual budget to almost $60 million by 2009/10. This is an increase of almost 140 per cent since 2003.

LEARN MORE

 

Learn more about the Ontario Arts Council.
Learn more about the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Learn more about London the creative city.

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Contacts:

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